One body, one spirit? Reflections on presbytery

Center stage at the SF Presbytery meeting last night: a constitutional amendment (known as 08-B) that is making the presbytery rounds for approval. The amendment would remove and change the language that excludes GLBTQ people from ordination (as deacons, elders and ministers).

At first, I was deeply impressed with SF Presbytery for not only putting the votes on GA amendments in worship (book-ended by scripture and communion)... and with aiming for a process that humanized the conflicts and dissension within the presbytery by asking people to process and discuss in small groups (of voices they do not hear). But the first thing they voted on in regards to these issues was process and they voted to eliminate small group discussion... a sign to me that this presbytery is not interested in listening to each other.

The process agreed upon was a pre-selected panel of six (three in support, three opposing) followed by silence and a ballot vote. This is not the standard presbytery process (which includes open mic time and voice votes before ballots).

Four of six speakers on the panel were men, one was a person if color. More ministers than elders.  Can we really talk about radical inclusion with integrity when that is the case?

Our own Ricky Choi spoke in favor of the amendment. He is our eldest elder and was amazing. He spoke about family, from his experience. He asked who is not here... something everyone else missed. He challenged the fairness of deciding this issue without being able to hear from the GLBTQ folks who are a part of our communities. We don't let folks speak for themselves. He also noted the way that conflict is causing the church to lose credibility in wider society (and made a slick Will and Grace reference).

A hymn sing while ballots were counted ensued. Final count: 167 for, 177 against, 4 abstaining.

Here is what amazes me about presbytery meetings. And perhaps this is my newness, my naivete, or maybe this is what we hope presbytery to be... but even having "lost," there were times in the process that I felt the Spirit, and that there seemed to be sincere efforts at being the one body of Christ amidst a diversity of opinions.

That said, I was not as confident as some that SF would support the amendment, but I still thought "hey, with all these places like (insert presbytery you assume in more "conservative" than SF here) changing their spirits or minds on this amendment, SF will certainly go." Surprise!

And yet, I experience grace and support at presbytery. Even as a seminarian. Who is not under care here. Who doesn't go to the local Presbyterian seminary. (there are plenty of reasons I could feel like an outsider, and yet...) I feel accepted and supported as a colleague by people I am proud to learn from. My experiences of fellowship at these presbytery mtgs. over the last eighteen months give me hope and enthusiasm for participating in such bodies in my future ministry... actively engaged in the "institution." I never expected that. I never thought I would LIKE presbytery meetings. Surprise!

As usual, I am left with more questions than answers.

So, do we only "feel the Spirit" when we think we are going to win?

Are we willing to listen to the spirit?

Outside of meetings, how do we discern our role in the health of the body, and the movement toward justice?

Comments

[Denise]

This blog title prompted me to reread from Ephesians 4.
"There is one body and one Spirit...but to each one grace has been given as Christ apportioned it....it was he who gave some to be prophets....until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God....speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head....from him the whole body..builds itself up in love, as each part does it's work".
This particular presbytery process you describe may not have been ideal; and I didn't hear the panel. But it sounds like it was graced with a refreshingly prophetic word from Ricky.
As for each who cast a "no" vote on this matter, I make a prayer: Lord, forgive those who would unknowingly grieve your Spirit and please cause hearts to open up and listen inclusively to GLBTQ persons. Until we ALL reach unity...

[Chikako]

great blog, and thanks for a great discussion everyon