Media contact:
Donna Riley, Co-Moderator, More Light Presbyterians: (413) 584-7935

The Board of More Light Presbyterians wishes to express its dismay and disappointment at the action of the Committee on Preparation of San Francisco Presbytery in denying Lisa Larges' readiness for ordination to the office of Minister of Word and Sacrament. In the din of debate over the issue of gay and lesbian ordination it is too easy to lose sight of the fact that this is far more than just a conversation. It moves to the deepest parts of who we are as followers of the Christ, to the press of our souls to serve the God who loved us first.

Lisa Larges is well known to us as one in whom the call to ordained service is clear, for God has set Lisa apart in many ways. Her thoughtful and eloquent preaching, her strong and caring pastoring, her insightful and passionate leadership - are but a few of the obvious ways that God has richly gifted Lisa for ministry. It is shameful that our church refuses to respond to such an obvious call by continuing to deny Lisa a place of service within our Presbyterian fold.

This is yet one more example of why we believe that justice delayed is justice denied. It is time for our church to move beyond this destructive debate, embrace all of its children, and get on with its important work.