I am proud and honored to be a part of Cherokee Presbytery! Just over a week ago, our Presbytery met in Dawsonville, GA. Part of our business that day was to discuss and vote on the proposed Amendments to the Constitution of the PC(USA). Among those amendments was Amendment 14-F, a proposal to expand the definition of marriage to a union between “two people” rather than “a man and a woman,” with an acknowledgement that marriage has traditionally been between a man and a woman.
I want to share with you how much I appreciated the tenor of our discussion at that meeting as well as at the January gathering for an open conversation on the overtures held in Cartersville. Over the course of these conversations, several things are clear: 1) Scripture matters to each of us; 2) the lives of all people matter to each of us, and; 3) we are not of the same mind with respect to same gender marriage.
Despite the diversity of Biblical interpretation amongst the believers in Cherokee Presbytery, our discussions were respectful, rooted in scripture/theology, deeply personal, and vulnerable. We listened carefully to one another and then we prayerfully voted. By a margin of 42 to 26, Cherokee Presbytery voted in favor of the amendment. The report of the vote did not yield any open demonstration of any kind, which (to me) demonstrates the love and respect we have for one another. It also demonstrates a humility that befits those who know that all that we do – even those things we do out of deep commitment to Christ – are imperfect, and that our ultimate hope rests solely in the grace, faithfulness and sovereignty of God. Such humility and generosity of spirit is evidence of the Spirit’s presence in our midst, and is part of why I think Cherokee Presbytery is so special.
It now seems clear that the Marriage Amendment (14-F) is likely to receive approval by a majority of the Presbyteries in the country and become a part of our constitution.
In light of this, I pray that we will continue to be a community that exhibits the marks of Christian love that Paul wrote about as he encouraged the church in Rome:
Romans 12 10love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.15Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
I’m so blessed to be a part of this community of faith.
Photo Credit: found via Google Image search, no artist listed.
Thoughts & Images from the Heart 
I wonder if the vote had gone the other way, would have been as equally proud of your presbytery….????
Sharon, I surely would have. I think the WAY we do our work is as much (or more) important than the result.