Reply #11: Indeed - it is a national level statement that local congregations

[salin]

may or may not take on (or so I understood it to be in the early nineties). The local church I joined (when I officially jumped UCC) did indeed lose a few long-time members over that strong of a statement. But, to their credit (the main family that left), they stayed for awhile and wrestled with it... after quite some time the wife, and many times with the wife (who had the issue) speaking at length with the minister... the wife finally found she couldn't reconcile her feelings with this - but she really worked at it. That was 12 years ago... The Congregation lost a few - and those lost gave deep thought (and I would bet due to struggling - were less than receptive to the crass cavalier treatment of the issue by the far religious political right have shifted somewhat) to the issue.

Is there any Christian demonination who has pushed the issue at the national level (eg church wide adoption - even if the choice to adopt is congregational) - thus making it safe for local congretations to do this? Just heard on NPR on Monday of a United Methodist minister facing sanctions for coming out (sexuality and a committed relationship) in Philly... now she, and the congregation (who appeared to be accepting) face a long and intimidating battle.