Assembly approves resolution on sexuality, discrimination By John H. Adams The Layman Online Sunday, June 23, 2002 214th General Assembly Columbus, Ohio June 15-22, 2002 COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The 214th General Assembly voted 413-65 on Friday to approve a resolution on sexuality and discrimination without broaching the issue of whether the Presbyterian Church (USA) again should consider whether to ordain self-affirming homosexuals. The resolution was a replication of a similar proposal adopted by the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1978. But one notable passage in the 1978 resolution was extracted by the assembly's National Issues Committee, reflecting awareness of the recent referendum in which 73 percent of the PCUSA's presbyteries voted to affirm the "fidelity/chastity" clause in the denomination's constitution. The 1978 resolution included a section that called "upon candidates' committees (committees on preparation for ministry), personnel committees, nominating committees, and governing bodies to conduct their examination of candidates for ordained office with discretion and sensitivity, recognizing that it would be a hindrance to God's grace to make a specific inquiry into the sexual orientation or practice of candidates for ordained office where the person involved has not taken the initiative in declaring his or her sexual orientation." As adopted by the 2002 commissioners, the resolution called for: Laws that prohibit discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations based on sexual orientation. Decriminalization of private homosexual acts between consenting adults. Having seminaries admit students regardless of sexual orientation. Asking the media not to use harmful stereotypes of homosexual persons. Rejecting (Presbyterians and others) "the sin of homophobia, which drives homosexual persons away from Christ and his Church." Asking seminaries, governing bodies and churches to initiate courses on sexuality.

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