MORE LIGHT STATEMENT
First Presbyterian Church
Palo Alto,California
February 26, 1986

In keeping with the spirit and ministry of Jesus Christ, and in harmony with the position of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., the First Presbyterian Church, Palo Alto, welcomes and embraces into membership all persons of faith, regardless of sexual orientation, racial or ethnic background, level of education, income or other human condition. We affirm that all human being are members of the body of Christ. And we believe that in meeting each other in Christian love, God's spirit frees us all to give and grow, liberated from the oppression invoked upon us by ourselves and others.

Going beyond the present position of the General Assembly, we extend to all persons who choose to unite as members of this congregation the full privileges and responsibilities of membership, including the right to hold office as an ordained deacon or elder if elected by the congregation.

Consistent with the above action, we urge the General Assembly to reconsider its Policy Statement and Recommendations adopted on May 22, 1978, and affirm the right of individual presbyteries to determine whom they will ordain as ministers of the word.

In addition, we accept the call from the General Assembly to develop educational and outreach programs to homosexual and homophobic persons, and to work for the passage of laws that will prohibit discrimination in areas of employment, housing, and public accommodations.