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Note #8416 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

Circle is unbroken
GA04123
July 2, 2004

Circle is unbroken

After lost vote, gay-inclusion advocates weep, hug, vow to fight on

by Nancy D. Borst

RICHMOND, July 2 - They wept. They hugged. Then they left the Richmond
Convention Center and walked across the street, where they joined in a circle
to pray, sing and weep some more.

Church members who desire an inclusive Presbyterian Church (USA) were joined
by about 300 sympathizers who gave up part of their dinner break Friday after
the General Assembly rejected the latest effort to move the church toward
inclusion of gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgendered persons.

"This is desperately hurtful," the Rev. Jane Spahr said in a brief address to
the crowd. "All we want to do is walk beside you, serve beside you. We've
heard another 'No.'"

Moderator Rick Ufford-Chase, who had urged Assembly participants to join the
gathering, led a prayer. Also on hand were Vice Moderator Jean Marie Peacock,
newly re-elected Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick and other church leaders.

Also in attendance were the authors of the measure the Assembly had approved,
which retains an "authoritative interpretation" of the church constitution
that forbids the ordination of "self-affirming, practicing homosexuals" as
officers of the church.

"One more time, the task is clear," Ufford-Chase said. "Jesus calls us to
take up our cross and walk. There is work to be done. Let's take on the work.
Amen."

Marco Grimaldo, a former board member of More Light Presbyterians, called on
the group to "be in prayer for the next two years," until the next GA, and
led a responsive litany titled "Justice knows no season; justice cannot
wait."

A commissioner stepped into the middle of the circle, Bible in hand, and read
the Beatitudes. Ricardo Moreno, moderator of the Hispanic-Latino Presbyterian
Caucus, implored those working for an inclusive church: "Don't go away. Stay
with us. We are one church."

"We will return every year until we can serve beside you," Spahr replied.

This story and many others may have photos, media, video clips that can be
found at http://www.pcusa.org/ga216/.

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