By The Associated Press , June 25, 1999
Most U.S. religious denominations bar sexually active gays and lesbians from the clergy but often accept homosexuals who are committed to celibacy.
These denominations include Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Southern Baptists, Lutherans, Evangelical Protestants and Orthodox and Conservative Jews.
Two groups are seriously divided:
- In 1997, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) required heterosexual fidelity or ``chastity in singleness'' among members of the clergy. On Friday, church leaders rejected a measure that could have opened the door to the ordination of non-celibate gays and lesbians.
- The United Methodist Church's similar 1984 law may be challenged at next year's General Conference.
These denominations have open policies:
- Episcopal Church: The 1991 General Convention said sex is ``appropriate'' only within heterosexual marriage, but acknowledged some members disagree. Since a tribunal in 1996 acquitted a bishop who ordained an openly gay priest, each diocese in effect does what it wishes.
- Reform Judaism: Openly homosexual rabbis have been ordained since 1990.
- Unitarian Universalist Association: Its 1980 convention called for ``full assistance'' in job placement for ``openly gay, lesbian and bisexual religious leaders.''
- United Church of Christ: The 1991 General Synod urged subunits to ``facilitate the ordination and placement of qualified lesbian, gay and bisexual candidates,'' without restrictions on same-sex activity.