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TechnoratiHe adds, "We all stand in need of God's grace. But we lessen our dependence upon that grace by blessing behaviors believed to be against God's desire for creation."
Responding to proponents of the amendment who argue that one is only a full member of the church if they have the right to assume leadership roles, Szeyller argues that the Church should then do away with all standards and committees that discern those called to leadership.
"One could then simply stand up and demand the 'right' to be an elder, deacon, or pastor under the authority of one's 'right' to full membership in the church," he contends.
Szeyller does not plan to leave the denomination as dozens of other churches have done over the years, but he says his congregation will continue to participate as members of the presbytery "with a heavy heart."
Presbyteries in the PC(USA) began voting on the amendment last year after the 2008 General Assembly – the highest governing body in the denomination – voted to send the measure to the presbyteries for approval.
Similar proposals to delete the "fidelity and chastity" requirement were voted down by presbyteries in 1997 and 2000.
On the Web: Full commentary here
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