A regional governing body of the largest Presbyterian denomination in the country has voted to ordain a gay Madison man with a long-term partner, bucking national church policy that bars gays and lesbians in open relationships from the ministry and perhaps setting a precedent. The decision Saturday in Madison by the John Knox Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (USA) is expected to have a national impact and be challenged by opponents.
Members of the presbytery, which encompasses parts of Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin, voted 81 to 25 to ordain Scott Anderson, 54. Anderson said he's been in a committed relationship with a man for 19 years. For the last seven years, he has been the executive director of the Wisconsin Council of Churches in Sun Prairie, an association of 13 denominations that promotes unity among Christian churches. He expects to continue in the role after ordination but hopes to return to parish ministry one day.
