News relayed by our field organizer Michael Adee. [July 1: minor corrections.]

Good News! Presbytery of Detroit passes Reforming - Ordination Overture

This just in - from Rev. Chuck Booker-Hirsch's cell phone at 8:23 PM (June 28), the Presbytery of Detroit passed the "Reforming - Ordination Overture" 120 - 77 at Northbrook Presbyterian Church, Beverly Hills, MI. Rev. Ellen Acton of Southfield Presbyterian Church, Southfield, MI, presented the overture. The overture was sent by the Sessions of Northside Presbyterian Church (a More Light church), Southfield Presbyterian Church, and Church of Our Saviour.

Prior to approval of the overture by the presbytery, a motion to table the overture indefinitely was defeated by a vote of 86-108.

Special gratitude to the Sessions who sent the overture and to all of the persons who worked to make it possible for this overture to be considered by the Presbytery of Detroit.

Countdown to Birmingham 2006!

with hope and gratitude,
Michael J. Adee, M.Div., Ph.D., National Field Organizer

A brief vote analysis by the MLP web editor: The most recent similar vote in Detroit that we know of was the Presbytery's 102-111 "no" vote in 2001 on proposed amendment 01-A -- that's 48% in favor, 52% opposed in 2001. Tonight's vote was 61% in favor, 39% opposed on an overture very close in content to 2001's 01-A... a 13% pro-LGBT shift in the vote in only 5 years. Change like this doesn't happen on its own - it happens when dedicated MLP supporters get together and take concrete steps to educate and raise awareness about LGBT equality issues publicly within your presbytery. Drop Michael a note at michaeladee@aol.com if you'd like some specific tips about how to get started educating in your Presbytery.

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Ref: http://www.mlp.org/article.php/20050628223732981