Leaders of the Presbyterian Church (USA) on Friday delayed a vote on a controversial question over whether to repeal a ban on ordaining practicing gays, saying the measure was too divisive.
The 215th General Assembly instead referred the issue to a task force that deals with divisive theological and policy issues. The Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity will report its findings in 2006.
"This is not the time to pass this overture," said the Rev. David Kincaide of Des Moines, Iowa. "Frankly, the people of my congregation, and many throughout the church are becoming increasingly frustrated and weary of the battle."
The vote was 431-92. Church officials rejected an attempt to remove references that singled out noncelibate homosexuals from certain church policies.
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