U.s. Church Support For Homosexual Priests (Press, 5 June 1979)

On 5 June 1979, a commission from the American Episcopal Church recommended that homosexuals should be permitted to be ordained as priests, provided they are “able and willing to conform their behaviour to that which the Church affirms as wholesome.” This recommendation is part of a broader discussion to be presented at the Church’s triennial convention in September 1979 in Denver, following a directive from the Church’s 1976 convention in Minneapolis. The commission, which consists of 12 members, suggested that decisions regarding specific cases of ordination should be left to the discretion of bishops and ministry commissions rather than being legislated in a formal manner. The report, spanning 17 pages, acknowledged the challenges faced by homosexual individuals due to societal pressures, particularly highlighting those who are reluctant to reveal their sexuality. It advocated for the ordination of individuals who have felt the burden of their sexual orientation for an extended period and wish to openly identify as homosexual. However, the commission also expressed concerns about certain activists within the LGBTQ community who they felt displayed an "abnormal obsession with homosexuality," particularly those who were demanding rights and seeking recognition for same-sex marriages. While the commission acknowledged their perspectives, it concluded that such individuals were not suitable for ordination or to be viewed as authentic alternative sexual models. The commission made it clear that the criteria used to assess the suitability for ordination should be consistent between heterosexuals and homosexuals. They articulated a focus on whether behaviours hinder or enhance the quality of life for families, the Church, and society at large. Additionally, the commission expressed its approach to the interpretation of the Bible, stating, “We do not take the Bible literally, we take it seriously.” Notably, in January 1977, Bishop Paul Moore Jr. from the New York diocese had already ordained a known lesbian, Ellen Marie Barrett, as a priest, indicating a progressive stance within parts of the Church towards LGBTQ+ individuals. The upcoming discussions at the convention are anticipated to further explore these recommendations, balancing the traditional views of the Church with the evolving perspectives on sexual orientation and inclusion.

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