Karen Smith-Pilkington, Clerk of Session
Gene Bay, Moderator of Session
PREAMBLE
A More Light Church proclaims that it is actively seeking more light on the
inclusive nature of the church, particularly as it relates to lesbian women
and gay men. A More Light Church seeks more light on the relationship of
spirituality and sexuality, and more light from the experiences of and
ministry with gay and lesbian Christians. More Light Churches welcome all
Christians into full membership of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and
affirm with the *Book of Order* that "an active member is entitled to all
the rights and privileges of the church, including the right to participate
in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, to present children for baptism, to
take part in meetings of the congregation, and to vote and hold office."
More Light Churches are of diverse congregational composition. Their
common identity is their Presbyterian heritage of a passion for justice.
The Session of Third Church created a Task Force on the Church and Homosexuality, and charged it with recommending specific initiatives that we should take in working for an inclusive church. These initiatives have included an adult education series on the church and homosexuality, which provided, among other things, opportunities for sharing of personal life experiences and exploring the scriptural passages relating to this issue. Based on these activities, the Session moved to declare Third Presbyterian Church a More Light Church, joining with others in professing the inclusive nature of God's grace.
STATEMENT OF INCLUSIVITY
Believing that we must work for a more inclusive church, we the Session of
Third Presbyterian Church join with other Presbyterian congregations and
formally identify ourselves as a More Light Church, adopting the following
statement:
We believe, with Paul, that as Christians we are many members, yet one body in Christ and members of one another. We affirm, as in the *Book of Order*, that the sole criterion for membership in this church is a confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We warmly welcome all who are seeking God and/or have found reconciliation to God and neighbors through Jesus Christ, regardless of racial-ethnic origin, gender, age, sexual orientation or other human condition. We extend to all members the full rights, privileges and responsibilities of membership.
We commit ourselves to:
A. Work for healing and reconciliation within and beyond our church;
B. Communicate to all people in our community that they are welcome in our
congregation;
C. Seek to make our whole denomination more inclusive.