More Light Ministry at TPPC

At Takoma Park Presbyterian Church we are working to welcome all in our community of faith, including our gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered members. To this end, we have become a "More Light" congregation, one which not only includes members of all sexual orientations, but also ordains them to be deacons, elders and pastors. We have also adopted an addendum to our More Light Statement to allow gay and lesbian members to be united by the church in covenantal unions.

Planning Meeting for More-Light Sunday May 16th

More Light Sunday is fast approaching (on June 13) and it's time to meet to plan the service. We will gather after worship on May 16, and hope you can be part of creating another wonderful worship time to celebrate our diversity, and especially the fact that we embrace and welcome LGBT folks.

Pastor Mark Greiner has graciously agreed to preach that Sunday, so we are freed up to focus on other elements of the service. Bring ideas for hymns, decorations, etc. and yourselves, of course.

GLBT Faith & Inspiration

Looking for a way to deepen your faith and prayer? Thirsting to read the scriptures in a life-giving way? Each week, the Human Rights Campaign offers an inspirational commentary on the Bible passages used in church for the Sunday sermon. Please join Pastor Greiner in reading these devotions each week at www.hrc.org/scripture. Anyone interested in a Bible study together please speak with Pastor Greiner at 301-270-5550.

Covenant of Dissent

The following are excerpts from the Covenant of Dissent written in objection to "Amendment B", the "chastity and fidelity amendment" to the Book of Order, signed by the Session of Takoma Park Presbyterian Church and sent to General Assembly, PCUSA.

"In obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ, guided by the scriptures and the legacy left to us . . . we have determined we cannot agree to abide by the recently passed amendment . . . without violating our informed conscience (and) faith..." "We covenant together to elect, ordain, and install. . . officers. . . with suitable gifts. . . , persons of strong faith, dedicated discipleship and love of Jesus Christ. . . , without additional requirements or restrictions."

On August 3, 2000, the Session of the Takoma Park Presbyterian Church released a statement concerning actions taken in the 2000 meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

More Light Presbyterians (MLP)

Takoma Park Presbyterian Church is a member of More Light Presbyterians (MLP) -- including the national organization and the National Capital Chapter. The mission statement of MLP is:

"Following the risen Christ, and seeking to make the church a true community of hospitality, the mission of More Light Presbyterians is to work for the full participation of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people of faith in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA)."

Archive of Past Articles

Here is a list of articles that have appeared on this website that may be of interest:

	Select this link to access the MLP WWW site.
	Gaychurch.org is a web site dedicated to ministering to the gay Christian community and to the friends of our community.