Ordination likely to cause gay debate in Presbyterian Church
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(Dobbs Ferry, New York) The ordination of an openly gay man to be the pastor of a Presbyterian Church in Dobbs Ferry is likely to spark a new battle over the role of gays in the denomination.
During the laying of hands at Sunday's service Raymond Bagnuolo was asked if he accepted the Scriptures, believed in one God and creator, and if he would proclaim the word and sacrament. Bagnuolo responded yes.
But when asked if he would abide by the church's constitution, Bagnuolo said he had one exception.
He could not abide by a church amendment that calls for clergy to practice fidelity in marriage or chastity if single. The chastity provision is aimed at excluding gays from being ordained.
Bagnuolo said that the requirement questions God's creation and contributes to violence against the gay community.
The Presbytery of Hudson River, one of the most liberal in the country, approved Bagnuolo for ordainment in September, but it is expected that the ordination will be challenged in a Church court.
In July, 2004 the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) legislative assembly narrowly rejected a measure to allow regional governing bodies to ordain gay clergy and lay officers.
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