The More Light letter

TO:  Rev. Robert L. Brashear, the Session and congregation of West Park Presbyterian Church, New York City, NY

FROM:  The National Board of Directors and Staff of More Light Presbyterians

Dear Bob and West Park Presbyterian Church,

We give thanks to God for this wonderful 100+ Celebration honoring the legacy and celebrating the future of your church and its ministries.

We cannot imagine the Presbyterian Church (USA) without your extraordinary example and witness as you declared yourself the first welcoming and affirming More Light congregation in the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1978. 

You More Light statement of welcome and affirmation of gay and lesbian persons in 1978 was the first among Presbyterians and also among mainline denominations.  Your ministry and witness ignited a revolution of welcome, affirmation and advocacy for LGBT persons and their families.  Thousands of congregations have been inspired by your witness.

In a profound way the historic ordination policy change through the passage of the 219th General Assembly's Amendment 10-A we give thanks for today is in no small part because of you.  West Park Presbyterian Church lived into this moment decades ago.  Clearly you are a congregation with extraordinary vision and commitment to social justice and a Gospel that includes all persons.

We're excited by the creation of The Center at West Park Presbyterian Church.  We are with you in heart, spirit and solidarity today as you celebrate your remarkable history and create new ministries within your community.

with hope and gratitude,

Rev. Heidi Peterson and Trice Gibbons, Co-Moderators and Michael J. Adee, Executive Director and Field Organizer and the National Board of Directors and Staff of More Light Presbyterians