Note #9233 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:
06196 March 31, 2006
Redwoods Presbytery files appeal of Spahr's same-sex-marriage acquittal
Case goes next to the PJC of the Synod of the Pacific
by Jerry L. Van Marter
LOUISVILLE - Redwoods Presbytery has announced that it will appeal the March 2 acquittal by its Permanent Judicial Commission (PJC) of the Rev. Jane Adams Spahr on charges that she violated the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s ban on performing same-sex marriage ceremonies.
Redwoods' stated clerk, the Rev. Robert Conover, said notification of the appeal has been sent "to all the parties."
The Redwoods PJC acquitted Spahr by a 6-1 vote, ruling that the PC(USA) constitution says that same-sex marriage ceremonies are "improper" but not "forbidden."
The General Assembly PJC has ruled that same-sex union ceremonies are not prohibited as long as they are not purported to be or confused with marriage ceremonies.
Spahr, an openly lesbian minister who directs "That All May Freely Serve," an organization that advocates for full inclusion of gays and lesbians in the life of the PC(USA), including as ordained officers, told the Redwoods church court that she has performed hundreds of same-sex weddings since she was ordained in 1974. The PC(USA) did not prohibit the ordination of non-celibate gays and lesbians until 1978.
Sara Taylor, one of Spahr's two defense attorneys, told the Bay Area Reporter that she welcomes the appeal. "I think that the presbytery is appealing it in good faith," she said. "They know it's an issue that the entire church is facing, and they want it to be resolved at the highest court."
The appeal will be heard by the PJC of the Synod of the Pacific, and seems likely to be headed to the General Assembly PJC, the highest court in the denomination.
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