Presbyterian Church Faces Potential Schism Over Gays

[davidinalameda]

http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/06/062305Presb.htm

While the Episcopal and United Methodist churches have struggled over homosexuality, another mainline Protestant denomination - the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) - has been relatively quiet. But that's changing.

Since 2001, Presbyterians have been awaiting recommendations from a special task force on "Peace, Unity and Purity," charged with seeking a way to overcome severe disagreements on gay relationships and other issues. Now that task force is close to completing its work, with the group preparing its final report at meetings in Dallas next month and Chicago in August.

Some aren't even waiting to read the fine print: 85 conservative congregations sent delegates to a convocation in Edina, Minn., that concluded last weekend.

[noamnety]

1. "mainline" denomination is being generous

With only 2.7% of the population being Presbyterian, and that number declining, "fringe" might be a more accurate description than mainline.

I know it doesn't substantially change the intent of the article, just a minor squabbling point related to coverage of religions lately.

[MountainLaurel]

2. 150 years ago, the issue was slavery

And many Christian denominations, including the Presbyterians, split up over it.