Shine the Light: MLP Strategic Direction
Following the risen Christ, and seeking to make the Church
a true community of hospitality, the mission of More Light Presbyterians is to
work for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people
of faith in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). -Mission
Statement, More Light Presbyterians
In the tradition of Christians in the Reformed and
Presbyterian family, we affirm that Jesus is Sovereign in our lives, is our
hope, and that the Church is bound to Christ’s authority and thus free to live
the lively, joyous reality of the grace of God (G-1.0100b).
At this specific time of turmoil in
our Church, More Light Presbyterians especially affirm our denomination’s call
to inclusivity and to the embrace of all of God’s children ~
The
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) shall give full expression to the rich
diversity
within its membership and shall provide a means which will
assure a greater inclusiveness
leading to wholeness in its emerging life”
-Form of Government, G-4.0403
More Light Presbyterians declare this to be a Season
of Illumination in our denomination ~ a time to Shine the Light
on the hope we find in the inclusive love of God. That same light will expose
the injustice of our church’s policy and practice that excludes from ordination
our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters, as well as our
denomination’s steadfast refusal to recognize and honor the morality and
sanctity of their loving, committed relationships.
More Light
Presbyterians recognize the value and necessity of a variety of strategies and
direct actions to accomplish God’s call to full inclusion and participation of
all in the life and ministry of the church.
Therefore we stand in solidarity with and commit our full resources to
those who are led by conscience as informed by God’s Spirit not to cooperate
with policies and structures of exclusion and oppression within the church. We also stand in solidarity with and
commit our
full resources
to those who struggle to live faithfully within the existing
structures of the Church.
With energy, intelligence, imagination and love, we commit ourselves to work in partnership with individuals and groups in the movement for full inclusion to Shine the Light on the need for change in the PCUSA.
Adopted by the National Board of Directors of More Light Presbyterians, September 29, 2002.