Louisville, Kentucky — In another example of Christian discord over gay inclusion, Presbyterian churches in Brazil and Peru have ended their partnerships with the Presbyterian Church (USA) after the U.S. denomination changed its constitution in March to allow clergy to celebrate same-sex “marriages.”
The loss of the South American partnerships comes on top of the 50 U.S. congregations that formally split from the 1.8 million-member denomination since the church policy changed, PCUSA officials say.
In its letter ending the partnership, the Brazilian church praised PCUSA for its “notable contribution to the expansion of God’s kingdom.” It also called the U.S. church’s stance on LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender) people “against the principle of the authority of Scripture over the life and faith of the Church.”
The breaks mean the denomination can no longer participate in some programs in Brazil and Peru.
(RNS)
Share with others: