Covenant Network comes ‘out of closet’ at conference Paula R. Kincaid The Presbyterian Layman Volume 33, Number 1 Posted March 27, 2000 ATLANTA – Following its annual conference, where the Covenant Network of Presbyterians restated its goal of removing G-6.0106b from the Book of Order, several writers took note of the organization’s “coming out of the closet” by featuring gays and lesbians in its program. A statement, adopted by the executive and national committees of the Covenant Network at its annual conference Nov. 4-6 in Atlanta, reaffirmed the Network’s goal to remove G-6.0106b from the Book of Order by 2001. “We intend to support presbyteries in bringing overtures to that effect, and we hope such overtures can be offered in a spirit of unity with those with whom we disagree today.” All the way out Homosexual rights groups, activists and the denomination’s news service all characterized the Atlanta conference as the Network’s “coming out.” “All the way out of the closet,” was the way Gene Huff, board member of More Light Presbyterians, described the conference. “At least five gay, lesbian and transgender persons shared in leading public worship,” Huff said. “Every single preacher and presenter this year not only made references to the church’s tragic treatment of its GLBT members, but in various ways the church’s struggle with issues related to sexual orientation was the focal point of presentations as well as being included in public prayers, workshops and reflections groups.” ‘Elephant outed’ In his article, “Elephant ‘Outed’ at Covenant Network Conference: Participants discuss homosexuality without apology or discomfort,” John Filiatreau of the Presbyterian News Service wrote, “Homosexuality, the seldom-mentioned ‘elephant in the living room’ during previous meetings of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, emerged – came out, if you will – during the group’s national conference. “Speakers and participants discussed homosexuality without apology and without resorting to euphemisms as they renewed their drive to remove article G-6.0106b from the section of the Book of Order that deals with ordination to the ministry.” According to a copyrighted story on the Witherspoon Society’s webpage, “The presence of the [Shower of Stoles] was one concrete image of the increased inclusion of gay and lesbian activists, including some roles in worship leadership.” Supporting study period The Covenant Network also supported the 211th General Assembly’s call for a two-year study period around the theme of Unity and Diversity. “We do not want the church to divide over the question of ordination standards,” the statement concluded. “Come, let us enter into conversation, seeking ways of resolving our mutual difficulties in a manner appropriate to servants of our one Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” The Network also announced that the topic of its next annual conference, to be held in Pittsburg in November, will be “Biblical Authority and the Church.” The Rev. Deborah Block and the Rev. Laird Stuart are the Network’s new co-moderators. The Rev. John Buchanan and the Rev. Robert Bohl had served as co-moderators of the Network since its founding in 1997. They will remain active on the Covenant Network Executive Committee.

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