The thoughts and discussions are coming now at a regular clip. I will be editing this as the blogosphere continues to multiply this story.

The official PCUSA release can be found here. Homosexuality and ordination standards were obviously not the only topic of conversation during the week long event. There were other decisions rendered such as interfaith relations with Muslims and the adoption of the Belhar Confession which came out the apartheid struggle in South Africa.

What is clear and needs to be emphasized is that these decisions were not without controversy and not without often strong disagreements from the floor.

The most press and discussion will follow the discussions regarding the status of the ordination of homosexuals. To wit, I am looking to track this discussion here. If you have posted or know someone who has posted regarding this issue on either side, please let me know and I will include a link here in order to follow the conversation and log it to the best of my ability.

I would hope that we can reach an understanding of why this is deeply concerning for some and deeply relieving for others. If we do not allow ourselves to experience the “other side” I fear that the directive to converse and discern at our local presbyteries will be sabotaged before the process even commences from now through June 28, 2009.

Some have been positive affirmations of the vote:

• Tony Hoshaw says, “Unity cannot precede justice - unity must be funded by the holy, other God - who rejects heterosexism and homophobia - as a cursory reading of the Gospels reveals.”
• John Shuck places it in the context of a litany. “I love the sound of that. “No further force or effect.” Say it with me, “No further force or effect.”
• Identity Mixed simply says, “Well finally…”
• Michael J. Adee writes, “There is clearly a sea-change in our Church, society and world as more people are letting go of the old beliefs and prejudice about homosexuality, same-gender loving persons and embracing what it means to recognize Christ and the divine image within all of God children, no exceptions.”
• AlanLK says, “We’ve been here before. The GA has voted to repeal the ban three times before, and three times it’s been sustained by the presbyteries. So, there’s plenty of work to do over the next several months. But, it is a hopeful sign, nonetheless.”
• Adam Copeland closes his astute summary with this statement that summarizes the directions that local presbyteries should now take, “We’re all a bit unsure about the future of the denomination, as some uber-conservative churches have or do threaten to leave. The trick moving forward will be to discuss the proposed changes in presbyteries kindly, faithfully, and humbly. Unity in the midst of our diversity is one of the denomination’s best qualities, but it ain’t easy.”
• Doug Hagler discusses the language that is resulting from the decision here. “Because of a 55/45 split on amendment b and homosexual ordination that we’ve known was there for 30 years at least, suddenly the loyal opposition seems to be lamenting in sack-cloth and ashes.”
• Iris follows with a note of caution and apprehension at how the church will actually work toegther and move beyond positions in the issue. “So, I am feeling torn between cautious optimism that we may soon rectify what I believe to be a grave injustice to our LGBT brothers and sisters and really and truly feeling the pain of those who believe that the church (small “c”) is moving away from them.”]
• Mark Smith urges us to play nice. “I urge my fellow progressives not to celebrate too loudly. Your cheers and in some cases jeers are painful to conservatives. Be a good winner. I also urge my conservative peers not to give up. You are doing what you believe to be the most faithful thing right now (as are the progressives). Don’t take any hasty actions. Take time to hear God’s call for you. Then do what you need to do.”
• Heather Reichgott offers sound advice. “What this means, for me and many others, is that we will be able to be ordained in a year if a majority of the presbyteries agree.  What this also means is that it’s time for as many people as possible to start conversations in presbyteries. Study the Bible together. Find out what people’s disagreements and obstacles are, and talk about them as genuinely as possible. And be in prayer.”
• I urge you to read Ray Bagnuolo’s affirmative and pastoral reflection here. “(W)e share joy with others for the chance to create a more just, inclusive, and loving church, acknowledging that these proposals have at the same time, created terror for others who believe these changes will mark the end of their beloved church.”

This concern is not without merit.

• Toby Brown has several posts, but one simply says, “My grief is too deep for words.” And he did start blogging again today.
• John “Stushie” Stewart writes, “We are a bunch of narcissistic hypocrites looking to justify our politically correct ways and cultural orientations. We cast aside our allegiance to Christ because we don’t want to submit to Him.”
• Chris Larimer is succinct. “I think conservative Presbyterians should rush in droves to join the Covenant Network.” (Note: Not the Covenant Network of Presbyterians).
• Reformed Pastor has numerous posts on the GA. This one is in keeping with the general theme. “Once again, whether the proposed repeal of G-6.0108b happens or not, the PCUSA is now officially in the camp of gay-approving denominations, along with the Episcopal Church and the United Church of Christ.”
• John Erthein writes, “Well, the General Assembly has placed a spoiled cherry on the rancid sundae of these past several days.”
• Bill Crawford says, “(T)he PCUSA has once again opened the door to the ordination of non repentant sinners.”
• Deutero Q uses what might be a consistent metaphor, “Many different words and metaphors come to mind as I continue to process the lunacy that characterized the GA meeting. Pardon my bluntness, but the crap coming out of the PC (USA) colon stinks to high heaven. (I’ve used that metaphor quite a bit lately, but I think it is a fitting one.)”
• From Adel Thalos, “In my opinion the PCUSA is no longer part of the larger body of Jesus Christ, but has separated itself becoming just another “church of what is happening among cultural progressives now,” like the Episcopal Church and the UCC.”
• The title alone from the Institute on Religion & Democracy (IRD) press release is clear enough, “Presbyterians Plant Seeds of Self-Destruction”.
• The Presbyterian Global Fellowship from the “pen” of Vic Pentz says, “San Jose offered an unconditional invitation for the “outside” to come in without asking the “outside” to be transformed by “inside.”  Anything inside (confessions, Scripture, Book of Order) that did not fit comfortably with the outside was asked to leave. Or as I heard someone say, “The Bible got voted off the island.”
• The Layman proposes a “Call to Arms“. “The 218th PCUSA General Assembly waged a frontal assault on Biblical Christianity. The assembly disregarded historic Reformed standards, undermined its Constitution and failed to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ with its actions.”