Westminster Presbyterian Church
Buffalo, New York
June
1983
The Session of Westminster Presbyterian Church believes that the sole
criterion for full participation in the life of the church is an
individual's acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The Session
further believes that the policy of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
barring homosexual persons from ordained position is morally wrong. It is
our belief that we are called to accept persons as brothers and sisters in
Christ. The definitive guidance of the 190th General Assembly of the
United Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) encourages exclusion and discrimination
rather than inclusion and acceptance and is thus in direct opposition to
our calling.
The Session therefore declares Westminster Presbyterian Church, Buffalo,
NY, to be a More Light congregation, extending to all of its members the
opportunity for leadership. This includes the right of homosexual persons
to be ordained as elder and deacon. It is our belief that sexual
orientation has no bearing on one's ability to benefit from and contribute
to the life of the church. Rather, we are bound together by God's gift of
love in ways that transcend differences.
--Adopted by the Session, June
1983.