Progressive. Inclusive. Diverse.

Beginning in 1991, many openly GLBT persons have become members of our church. In the spring of 1997, the Session of the Clarendon Presbyterian Church voted to officially become a More Light Church and to affiliate itself with the More Light Church Network. This action was taken after much reflection, prayer, study, and discussion to demonstrate our strong opposition to "Amendment B" and our full welcome to GLBT Presbyterians.

"Amendment B" is an amendment to our denomination's Book of Order (i.e. our church constitution) that was approved by our nationwide denomination, the Presbyterian Church (USA), in 1997. Amendment B states: "Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage of a man and a woman (W-4.9001), or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacrament."

Shortly after the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s approval of Amendment B, our church's Session, along with many other church Sessions, approved a Convenant of Dissent which states that "...we have determined that we cannot agree to abide by the recently passed amendment to G-6.0106 [Amendment B] without violating our informed conscience, faith, and interpretation of our obligations. We covenant together to elect, ordain, and install as officers those members with suitable gifts who are called to ministry, who are persons of strong faith, dedicated discipleship, and love of Jesus Christ, and whose manner of life is a demonstration of the Christian gospel in the church and the world, without additional requirements or restrictions."

Since Amendment B has been approved, our church has continued to extend a warm, unqualified welcome to everyone, including GLBT. To date, we have not suffered any negative consequences for our principled stand on behalf of equality and non-discrimination. To the contrary, we have become known in Arlington, Northern Virginia and throughout the National Capital Presbytery as a welcoming, inclusive, and diverse church that is growing and spreading the gospel.

One manifestation of Clarendon Presbyterian's commitment to the full participation of gay and lesbian worshippers in the full life of the church is an outreach program that includes advertisments in the Washington Blade.

Did you know that Clarendon Presbyterian Church of Arlington Virginia is not the only More Light Church with this name (well, almost). The Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church of West Somerville, Massachusetts is also a more light church, pray for us and pray for them, too.

 

Page written by Ron Bookbinder