This document, developed on the PLGC Internet Mailing List, was written for churches that consider themselves to be already committed to inclusivity but are wondering how making a public statement and affiliating with the More Light movement would make a difference for their congregation.
1. We are called by Jesus to declare our faith aloud and not hide our light under a bushel (Matt. 5:15-16). This includes being honest with others about the radical inclusivity of our church, even if it means the disapproval of the religious authorities -- it's what Jesus would have done.
2. The gifts of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender members will be shared even more freely and fully than they are now.
3. We will be a role model to other churches and through our example help them have the courage to join us. A More Light statement is a witness to the rest of the Church, proclaiming loudly and clearly where we stand. Both the allies and adversaries of LGBT people in the Church need to hear this.
4. If we want gay and lesbian people to stick it out in the Presbyterian Church, then it would be a meaningful gesture of support for a church to demonstrate its willingness to stand with gay and lesbian people. Many gays and lesbians do not trust the words of the Church with good reason, so a public declaration -- a congregation's "coming out" -- is an act of faith for LGBT people to witness.
5. Not having an official policy with regard to sexual orientation and ordination puts a great burden on gay and lesbian people who are called to serve -- they must either come out and risk rejection from their church community, or consciously hide a part of themselves. Ordaining without regard to sexual orientation but then hiding it (not admitting we do it, not making it official policy) means that our church wants to keep its inclusiveness "in the closet". This sends a message (however unintentional) that we are ashamed or embarrassed to have LGBT officers.
6. With the passage of Amendment B, we are now members of a constitutionally homophobic Church. Maintaining such membership (for gay or straight persons) is a serious matter of conscience. The tone and content of national church policies demand an intentional, precise, and public response from the local congregation, both for the integrity of the local congregation and for those seeking such a congregation.
7. Affiliating with the More Light Churches Network is an evangelistic move that will invite folks (not just lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people) who share our goal of an inclusive Church to visit us. Being More Light puts us on widely circulated lists people refer to when they are looking for a new church. The experience at churches like Mt. Auburn in Cincinnati is that the public declaration is also important as an outreach tool to the LGBT community.
8. More Light Presbyterians offers its member churches support in the struggle for a more inclusive Church. Participating in the connectional More Light movement will help our church know that we do not stand alone, and give us the opportunity to learn from and support others on the journey. For example, being part of the network would better equip us to comfort and minister to those hurt by Amendment B. It is also very encouraging to current MLP congregations every time the network's membership grows by one.
9. An inclusive church that does not make a More Light statement is like a worker in a union job who does not join the union. These non-union workers reap the benefits of those who join the union, pay their dues, and do the work and negotiating -- but they never take on any of the associated risk. As Christians, I think we are called to take that kind of risk both for ourselves and for those who are unable to take that risk for themselves.
10. Baldwin Park Presbyterian Church articulates its reasons for making its More Light statement in 1989:
Believing that the church most of all should be the place where persons can live with openness and integrity to their conscience, we put no special requirement on anyone to maintain a hidden or secret life within the church for fear of rejection. Also, we pledge ourselves to oppose by word and action injustices toward other persons, as we would oppose injustices toward ourselves. Acknowledging that, because of the reality in the Church, as well as in society at large, gay and lesbian persons may have justifiable reason for uncertainty as to their reception, we act here to make clear, explicit, and real, our genuine welcome of all persons. This explicit welcome, we believe, is warranted and right.