Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

This has been a difficult year for the Presbyterian Church (USA). We have, of course, weathered crises
before, from the Civil War to Civil Rights. Since the passage of Amendment 10-A (which allows for
qualified LGBT Presbyterians to serve in ministry in the church), however, our actions have saddened me to
the point where I believe I must speak up.

Last year, I lost my position as a youth director because I discussed Amendment 10A. The 220th General
Assembly of the PC(USA) seemed to highlight our divisions. Respectfully, can we really say to our sister,
Rev. Tara McCabe, that she is "unfit" to stand for office because she presided over a same-sex union? Can
we really continue to deny the blessings of God to the people of God?

We have an amazing opportunity, in the words of our former moderator, Cynthia Bolbach, to "proclaim the
gospel in a post-Christian, multicultural society." But we must be receptive to that opportunity. Change
naturally causes us to look back at what used to be, but Almighty God does not call us to be people of the
past. Rather, God calls us to move forward with courage and clarity as God's beloved people.

I realize there are many of our brothers and sisters who deeply, faithfully believe that the direction we seem
headed in isn't the right way. Yet, when I read of Christ's message, I see a teacher who came to change the
status quo. Again and again, Christ proclaims a new age. If Christ goes before us into the future, to prepare
us a place there, will we follow him?

Grace and Peace,

Mark Horner
Austin, TX