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New Odyssey Video Explores Gay Ordination Controversy in the Presbyterian Church, USA

Neighboring Pittsburgh PCUSA churches seek ways to conquer the community divide

Contact: Mary Dickey, Communications Director, Odyssey Networks, 212-870-1046

NEW YORK, June 24, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- East Liberty Presbyterian and Eastminster Presbyterian Churches sit just down the road from one another in Pittsburgh, but they are worlds apart in their views on the recent vote to sanction the ordination of gay clergy in their denomination.  The passing of Amendment 10A gives regional presbyteries the local option of ordaining practicing homosexuals to Christian ministry, and takes effect next month.  At East Liberty, there is celebration, but just a couple blocks away at Eastminster, there is concern.

Today Odyssey Networks will release an exclusive interview with the local pastors, The Reverend Randy Bush and The Reverend Paul E. Roberts, which illuminates the real-life effects of the story that has captured widespread media attention and sparked intense theological, political and social debates about the authoritative religious roles of lesbian and gay people in the Christian church over recent weeks.  The video "Living with Differences" provides a full view of both the current conditions and the historical background of the controversy.

In the video, Rev. Bush of East Liberty reflects on the fact that the ordination of gay clergy in the PCUSA has been a journey spanning several decades, and that it culminates not in a new presence or function of gay clergy, but in the freedom to acknowledge the value of those who are already serving, and the official right to openly and straightforwardly call gay clergy to leadership roles.  Rev. Roberts of Eastminster, on the other hand, worries that "we're falling away from biblical standards."  Yet surprisingly, they are both looking for ways to work together even more closely.  Find out why at www.odysseynetworks.org.

About Odyssey Networks
Established in 1987, Odyssey Networks is a service of the National Interfaith Cable Coalition, Inc. It has over 80 denominational, organizational and individual members, representing Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Baha'I, Sikh, and Hinduism. For more information, visit
www.odysseynetworks.org.