Presbyterians in Missouri and Kansas have approved a change to the denomination's constitution that could allow gays and lesbians to be ordained as ministers, elders or deacons.
Pastors and lay members from the Heartland Presbytery's 112 Missouri and Kansas congregations voted 150-139 Saturday to approve the measure, which would allow the denomination's local districts to decide whom they will ordain.
The measure also removes wording from the constitution requiring that people in church office either marry a member of the opposite sex or abstain from sex altogether.
Heartland Presbytery is one of 173 such districts of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) considering the amendment. Before it would take effect, a majority of the districts, called presbyteries, would have to give their approval this year. The denomination's General Assembly voted in June 317-208 in favor of the change.
However, as of Friday, most of the presbyteries across the country that have considered the amendment have defeated it. The official church tally is eight presbyteries in favor of the measure and 33 against.
Supporters of the amendment say it's the best way for members with conflicting views to live peacefully within the denomination.
"The time has come for us to realize that we must come to some kind of compromise if there is to be any kind of peace and mission productivity in our church," said the Rev. Robert Meneilly, pastor emeritus of Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, Kan.
Opponents say the amendment gives in to political correctness at the expense of the Bible, which they say does not condone homosexuality.
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