Sunday, October 1, 2006New Zealand Presbyterians say no to gay leaders
By Lavinia Ngatoko in Challenge Weekly, New Zealand
Special to ASSIST News ServiceAUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND (ANS) -- Those involved in a sexual relationship outside marriage - whether homosexual, lesbian or heterosexual - have been barred from becoming ministers or elders in the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.
The church’s top decision-making body, the General Assembly, confirmed its 2004 rule at its biennial meeting at St. Kentigern College in Pakuranga, Auckland, just after midday on Friday.
There was an air of expectation as more than 500 church ministers, elders, local leaders, youth representatives, spectators and news media packed the school’s Elliot Hall for what was probably the most anticipated event of the four-day meeting.The motion that the church “may not accept for training, license, ordain or induct anyone involved in a sexual relationship outside of faithful marriage between a man and a woman” was carried by 230 votes to 124 - a 65 per cent approval.
However, the rule is not retrospective and applies only to people being assessed for future training or leadership positions.
It is not a disciplinary standard and cannot be used to remove a person who is already holding an office.
This means the status quo of the past two years continues