Rev. Hector Reynoso: standing for the faith

The Layman has posted an excellent report from the Rev. Hector Reynoso who was a commissioner at General Assembly and also ran for Vice Moderator alongside the Rev. Julia Leeth who came in second among six candidates for Moderator. The report is also linked at CHURCHandWORLD.

Hector[1] writes about his experience at General Assembly, which includes his feelings of intimidation because of those wearing the rainbow scarves and his stand on ordination standards and how he was treated afterwards. His experience was not unique. Many had to fight for the paddles (the signal that you have a motion, question or want to speak to an issue)that are supposed to be given by unbiased attendants.

Here are several paragraphs from his report.

“In standing for vice-moderator it was clear and evident where I stood and what my convictions were. This soon put me at odds with hundreds of people, many who identified themselves by wearing a multicolor scarf, like a rainbow. People wearing these scarves were in all committees, as commissioners, moderators, advisory delegates, YAADS and observers.

In my conversation with several of the commissioners I had met, I learned that many felt intimidated by the abundant presence of all those wearing a scarf. I mention this because I felt intimidated as well, but soon found out that I was not alone. The scarf, I soon found out, meant that they were supporters of all the overtures that supported the ordination, marriage and full inclusion of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community. It soon became evident that this group was the majority, not only in numbers but also the “theological majority.”

I am posting this here so that you can be introduced to one of the Presbyterian heroes of the faith during this particular GA. Hector would of course not call himself that, but most of us know what he put on the line, by taking the stand he took.

If you click on the link below, you will be able to listen to his defense of the faith. [1] I am using Hector’s first name on purpose. He is a good friend.