MLP: Presbyterian Partnership of Conscience

Judicial Defense

Presbyterian Partnership of Conscience

The Presbyterian Partnership of Conscience was established in January 1997 by Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns (now More Light Presbyterians), That All May Freely Serve, the Shower of Stoles Project, and other progressive Presbyterian organizations and individuals who shared the concern that many faithful Presbyterians would be targeted for judicial action as a direct result of G-6.0106b.

Mission Statement

Affirming our theological tradition and historic principles of Church governance, we form this partnership to:

Provide pro-bono counsel for those facing judicial action in the courts of the church as the result of Amendment B and other anti-gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender ecclesial bias;

Support those who seek to work together as a movement for change within the Presbyterian Church, (U.S.A.), rejecting the emerging ecclesial culture of exclusion while working to restore our historic tradition of inclusion for all - especially in reference to full membership and leadership within congregations and governing bodies of the Church;

Work in support of progressive Presbyterian organizations that seek the same goal.

The Partnership is an informal network of concerned Presbyterians committed to the common call of ecclesial obedience to the historic traditions and principles of our Church's governance. Specifically, we affirm the governmental principle that active members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

...are entitled to all the rights and privileges of the church, including the right...to vote and hold office (G-5.0202),

and the theological affirmations of inclusiveness and diversity -

The congregation shall welcome all persons who respond in trust and obedience to God's grace in Jesus Christ and desire to become a part of the membership and ministry of his church. No person shall be denied membership because of race, ethnic origin, worldly condition, or any other reason not related to profession of faith. Each member must seek the grace of openness in extending the fellowship of Christ to all persons. Failure to do so constitutes a rejection of Christ himself and causes a scandal to the gospel (G-5.0103).

The Presbyterian Partnership of Conscience intends to function as a temporary coalition, supporting those who ~ in good conscience ~ find themselves conscientiously at odds with the anomaly within our Church's Constitution. The PPOC specifically intends to provide tangible support to those individuals and governing bodies who are oppressed by G-6.0106b: our time, judicial expertise, and financial resources.

Inquiries should be addressed to: Bear Ride - bears@usc.edu Our fiscal agent is United University Church: 817 West 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA. 90007. bears@usc.edu