Sometimes I am very proud of my church. Today I got an notice, that beginning January 1, 2013, same gender domestic partners will be covered by the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church USA. This means that same-gender spouses and/or domestic partners and children of those unions will be covered by insurance and will be eligible for pension survivor benefits.
At a time when the words 'church' and 'Christian' seem synonymous with hate and narrowness, with denying access to healthcare to women and speaking loudly for priviledge, it is good to hear this bit of good news. Sometimes we do some things right. Before today's notice, some same-gender partners did gyrations like adopting the each other to qualify for insurance and pension; now they will be able to participate fully and openly.
The press notice partially reads:
Board of Directors Approves Same-Gender Domestic Partner Benefits
03/03/2012
The Board of Directors of the Board of Pensions has voted to extend spousal and child benefits to same-gender domestic partners of Benefits Plan members. To qualify, a member will have to verify that he or she has a civil license or certificate evidencing a civil marriage, civil union, or domestic partnership from a state or foreign jurisdiction.
The Board will formally present its decision to the 220th General Assembly, set for June 30 through July 7, in Pittsburgh. However, the directors’ vote is binding, so no further action is needed. After the presentation to the General Assembly, the Board will notify members about enrollment details. Coverage will be available beginning January 1, 2013.
The Board of Directors voted on the matter at its meeting in Philadelphia on March 3, after receiving the report of recommendation from the Special Committee on Domestic Partner Benefits. The committee, drawn from the Board of Directors, studied various issues surrounding the matter for more than a year. Study began after the 219th General Assembly (2010) approved a resolution urging the Board to extend spousal and dependent benefits to same-gender partners on the same basis as it does for opposite-gender married couples.
http://web.pensions.org/...
Although I am very happy about this,the PCUSA is not where I would personally like it to be. As just last month, one of our ministers was disciplined for performing same sex marriages (based on old rules that have snce been changed).
Assembly PJC issues decision in Spahr case
posted Feb 21, 2012 4:18 PM by Communications Team [ updated Feb 21, 2012 4:19 PM ]
In a close decision, the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission upheld the findings of the lower court that the Rev. Dr. Jane Spahr violated the constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) by officiating at marriages of 16 same-gender couples. These marriages were legally performed in state of California in 2008, and are still valid despite today’s ruling.
Rev. Spahr remains grateful for all of those who continue to choose love over fear. She hopes this decision will not dissuade anyone, especially teaching elders, in the Presbyterian Church from continuing to regard all persons as equal in the household of God.
https://sites.google.com/...
Rev. Janie Spahr is lesbian and has been very active and inspirational in working for equality. She was truly inspiring the times I have heard her speak. So I leave you with some wisdom from Janie
"Once you come out, you have a responsibility to make others free, whether their oppression is because of sexual orientation, gender, race, class, nationality, or disability."
"Follow through. People in oppressed communities are often not called back."
Her motto in dealing with the opinions of conservative Christians on LGBT people: "If you only knew us, you'd love us."
And, "Love without justice is no love at all."