How a gay St. Louis pastor triggered a war within the Presbyterian Church in America

[Sherman A1]

Greg Johnson describes himself as a “gay atheist teenager” who fell for Jesus — and found himself at the center of evangelical Christianity’s internal battles over sexuality.

For nearly 20 years, Johnson has pastored Memorial Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, right across from Forest Park. He says he’s been gay and celibate the entire time. When he came out to his church, he said he received a standing ovation and shouts of “We love you, Greg” from congregants.

But since Johnson went public with his orientation in Christianity Today, pastors in his denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America, have tried to banish clergy who identify as gay, even if they commit to celibacy.

Johnson has fought that. He says orientation is largely fixed — but believes there is still a place for people like him in conservative churches.

https://news.stlpublicradio.org/show/st-louis-on-the-air/2022-04-20/how-a-gay-st-louis-pastor-triggered-a-war-within-the-presbyterian-church-in-america

[Freddie]

1. 2 different kinds of Presbyterians

PC - USA is the “normal” Presbyterians, a mainline denomination that leans liberal (female pastors, pro-choice, totally fine with LBGT, etc.) PCA is the “fundie” offshoot.
Years ago my brother joined his wife’s church which is PC USA. We were born and raised ELCA (I still go to an ELCA church), there isn’t much difference.