…A proposed agreement between the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Episcopal Church to recognize each other’s sacraments and allow case-by-case acceptance of each other’s clergy stirred debate.<\/p>\n
Several people were concerned or confused about how it would apply locally, where there are two bodies called the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh. The larger of the two is aligned with an Anglican province in South America rather than with the Episcopal Church. The Episcopal agreement passed 140-135.<\/p>\n
Two fathers of gay men spoke on opposite sides of the chastity and fidelity amendment.<\/p>\n
“The current ordination standard cuts like a knife into the heart of what many presbytery members believe about their friends and family members who are gay,” said Mike Fazzini, an elder at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church. “It sends my son the message that he is not worthy … because the love of his life happens to be of the same sex.”<\/p>\n
Thomas Fox, an elder from Lebanon Presbyterian Church in West Mifflin, said one of his sons was gay and had died of AIDS.<\/p>\n
“My son Don was a very loving son and I miss him greatly,” he said. “However, he chose to live a life of sin … I would not have recommended him for a position of leadership in the church.”<\/p>\n