Comments for Scott Anderson to seek PC(USA) ordination at http://pres-outlook.net , comment 1 to 8 out of 8 comments http://pres-outlook.net Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:03:50 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://pres-outlook.net/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/3377.html#comment-2864 I do not understand how Scott Anderson can state that his application to become an inquirer seeking ordination in John Knox Presbytery is anything less than testing the authoritative interpretation approved by the GA in June. Considering that Mr. Anderson renounced his ordination in the PCUSA previously over the denomination's position on the ordination of homosexuals, what has changed in the last 16 years for him to want to come back into the fold...except that the new authoritative interpretation allows a candidate to declare a scruple regarding standards for ordination in the Form of Government? Why not simply state that this is a test case, and go forward? Why doesn't the CPM of John Knox Presbytery do the same? - Rev. Rick Hoffarth Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100 http://pres-outlook.net/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/3377.html#comment-2865 We were informed of this at our session meeting last night. No one from our congregation knew that it was going to be discussed or voted on. We would have liked to have had this information before Stewardship Sunday. - Frank Frieberg Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100 http://pres-outlook.net/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/3377.html#comment-2866 It would be an honor to have Scott Anderson as a colleague in ministry--again! He brings many gifts, talents and abilities to us. It would be a blessing to the church to be able to have him share his insight and wisdom, his struggles and his commitment through the gift of ordination. There would be many who would benefit from following his example of fidelity to a life partner. Hopefully,some day, we shall all be welcome and encouraged to participate in building God's kingdom on earth as we work for justice, lift up the oppressed, relieve the burdens of the sick and the poor, and quit worrying about people who love one another. - Steven Hammond Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100 http://pres-outlook.net/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/3377.html#comment-2862 I have to take issue with the manner in which this is being reported. Our constitution has no barriers to ordination for people that are 'openly gay' - no more than for those who are 'openly straight' at least. The statute of G-6.0106b explicitly states that activity - not orientation - is an obstruction to ordination. The problem with Mr. Anderson's application for reinstatement is not that he is 'openly gay' but that he continues to act upon that orientation with his 'life partner.' To imply that opposition to his ordination is based on his homosexuality, rather than his unrepentant sexual activity, obscures an important point. I am not so naive as to believe that this provision is enforced with perfect justice; but confusing what's at stake only hinders any attempt to be faithful to the wording and the spirit of the constitutional article. - Chris Larimer Tue, 28 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100 http://pres-outlook.net/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/3377.html#comment-2853 For Scott to serve on the task force that made possible a change that he apparently believes now allows his ordination is an egregious ethics violation. If he intended to seek ordination again he should have recused himself from the task force due to this conflict of interest. - Bob Sundquist Mon, 27 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100 http://pres-outlook.net/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/3377.html#comment-2848 Less than two months after becoming a Presbyterian in 1993, I met Scott Anderson at a fellowship meeting. He was then, as now, blessed with Christ's redeeming grace in a very public way. Would that any one of us be a witness to his commitment to PCUSA and still think we can in good conscience deny gay ordination or walk away, property or not! As for the Presbytery, we are conflicted, but at the moment we are recognizing scruples, thanks to an injunction pending further legal actions before the PJC. I thank the Task Force, including Scott, for showing us the way to unity. It's now up to individuals and presbyteries to come to their own peace and purity. Jesus would just ask of us to love one another in the process. Who can know Scott and not love him? - Jill Sherrill Thu, 23 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100 http://pres-outlook.net/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/3377.html#comment-2830 The standards for ordination set forth by our Book of Order have not changed. Therefore, I do not see how the Presbytery can approve Mr. Anderson's request to seek ordination. - Thomas Groome Wed, 15 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100 http://pres-outlook.net/news-and-analysis/1-news-a-analysis/3377.html#comment-2805 Evidently Scott Anderson, a member of the PUP Task Force, does not agree with those who claim that 'nothing has changed' as a result of the 217th General Assembly's adopting the PUP Report. This would be consistent with much of what I heard during the Plenary Debate; several commissioners arguing in favor of the PUP Report did so because they believed passing the Report would in fact make gay ordination more likely. I believe Mr. Anderson and those who argued in favor of the PUP Report are more credible than those who now insist that 'nothing has changed.' - John Erthein Fri, 10 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100