by Nomad
A schism within the Presbyterian Church on its views regarding same-sex marriage made a bit of news recently.
We look at the historical reasons why any literal interpretation of Scripture for an African American Church presents some particular problems.
It hasn't been the first time the Presbyterians have followed their conscience on matters of equality and social justice.
The NBCI Decision and the Fragile Unity
Recently. the National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) made an interesting and somewhat disappointing announcement. This faith-based coalition of some 34, 000 churches made up of about 15 denominations with 15.7 million African-Americans declare that it had broken its fellowship the American branch of the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA).
The NBCI decision came about as a result of a recent vote by the Presbyterian Church to approve same-sex marriage.
Last June, The Presbyterian General Assembly, the top legislative body of the PCUSA voted to revise the constitutional language defining marriage. This decision granted pastors discretion in determining whether or not to conduct same-gender marriages in civil jurisdictions where such marriages are legal.
According to the text of the assembly ruling, the elders of the Church decided that it was up to the pastors were allowed the freedom of conscience and their own interpretation of Scripture. They were free "to participate in any such marriage they believe the Holy Spirit calls them to perform."
