| Friends of Presbyterian Promise know Brian
Cave through his participation in our programs with Wilton, New Canaan,
New Haven and Yale. We are deeply saddened by his letter. Our denomination
desperately needs people of faith like Brian. We're losing all too many.
Justice and love are urgently needed in the PC USA.
Dear friends,
I would not have survived the past seven years
in the Presbyterian Church (USA) without the love and support and encouragement
of those involved with More Light Presbyterians, That All May Freely Serve,
The Shower of Stoles Project, and Covenant Network. However I am sad to
say that I have made the decision to leave the Presbyterian Church (USA).
I wanted to wait to tell you after my session officially knew this news.
Below I have pasted a copy of the letter that I have sent my session.
Dear Stated Clerk and Session of Jan
Hus Presbyterian Church,
It is with much sadness that I am writing to inform
you that after much prayer and discernment I have decided to leave the
Presbyterian Church (USA). I am writing you to ask that you please remove
me from your books as a member of Jan Hus Presbyterian Church and a member
of the Presbyterian Church (USA)
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Jan Hus
Presbyterian Church and am very thankful that the session asked me and
allowed me to serve the church as an ordained elder. I am also very thankful
for the support that Jan Hus Presbyterian Church gave me when I started
seminary and supporting me in becoming an Inquirer in the Presbytery of
New York City. It is a shame that the Presbyterian Church (USA) has not
changed it stance on ordaining openly gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender
members. I consciously cannot say, "I will" when they ask me if I will
abide by the Book of Order because of item G-6.0106b. Also, I am aware
that many churches are not willing to take the risk of hiring someone who
is not able to abide by G-6.0106b, even though they fully support gay members
being ordained. Therefore, there will be fewer opportunities for me to
find a job as a pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
However, this does not mean that I will not continue
to fight for change in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Even though I will
be seeking ordination in the United Church of Christ, I will still very
much be involved with That All May Freely Serve, More Light Presbyterians,
the Shower of Stoles, and Covenant Network to remove the ban on openly
gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people serving in ordained positions.
When the ban is removed I then will be able to return home to the church
that changed my life and brought me closer to God and Jesus Christ.
Fort Hill Presbyterian Church (USA) in Clemson,
SC changed my life when she found me in college. I am the person who I
am today because of this church. This church saved my life and my soul.
It is a shame that I now know that Fort Hill and Jan Hus are unique churches
and that all Presbyterian Churches are not like them.
In Christ with Love,
Brian Cave
Union Theological Seminary in the City of New
York
Master of Divinity Student
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