[July 6: edited for clarity]

April 19, 2005: In a harbinger of pro-equality, pro-LGBT overtures expected throughout 2005, Heartland Presbytery today voted 109 yea, 92 nay to send a "delete G6.0106b / delete authoritative interpretation" overture, which would remove institutional barriers to LGBT ordination, to the 2006 General Assembly. To MLP's knowledge Heartland is the first presbytery to send a delete-B to the 2006 GA, though it certainly won't be the last. The overture text passed by Heartland is similar to that suggested by the recently released MLP 2006 overture FAQ.

"We're thrilled that Heartland Presbytery has taken a stand today for equality" noted elder Judith Willis of Central Presbyterian Church, who was on the scene as the motions were made and passed. "It's time for our denomination to remove its anti-gay barriers to ordination and let all Presbyterians serve the Church."

Equality supporters in Heartland Presbytery did their homework in advance for today's success. Identical overture text was submitted to presbytery by the sessions of three churches: Grace Covenant, Southminster, and Central. A fourth submission of the overture was made by elders Sue Letizia (Chapel Hill PC) and Bill McEachen (Village PC), who along with their motion brought a petition of support signed by 180 elders and 35 ministers of Word and Sacrament. Strategy work to prepare for the overture submissions and the vote took place at monthly meetings during the past several months.

The percentage breakdown of today's vote is 54% yea, 46% nay, which compares favorably with the 52% yea, 48% nay vote by Heartland on proposed "delete-B" overture 01-A in 2001. In the midst of widespread and inaccurate claims that Americans' anti-gay sentiments are growing, Heartland presbytery's increasing support for equality confirms the reality: attitudes are shifting in support of full LGBT equality. For a presbytery whose western border is only a few miles from Fred Phelps' home base of Topeka, Kansas, today's vote is great progress and cause for celebration.

The passage of this overture now opens the door to presbyteries which might wish to pass concurrences. Although MLP recommends that LGBT-supportive groups ask their presbyteries to send their own "delete-B / delete AI" overtures, pursuing a concurrence is also a viable option.

More Light Presbyterians sends its thanks to the pastoral staff of the three churches which submitted overtures: Heidi Peterson (Central), Jeff Clayton (Southminster), and Jay McKell (Grace Covenant); to elders Sue Letizia and Bill McEachen; to the local Witherspoon chapter which worked on the overtures; to Judith Willis for sharing the news with MLP national; and to all supporters of LGBT equality in Heartland Presbytery for throwing the rest of us a challenge: go and do likewise in your own presbytery!

For more information about passing a delete-B / delete-AI overture in your presbytery, see the More Light Presbyterians 2006 GA Overture FAQ.

(Story written by MLP webspinner)

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Ref: http://www.mlp.org/article.php/20050419234203172