Back in May, two opposing factions set off fireworks over the roles of gays and lesbians in church leadership. Madeira-Silverwood Presbyterian Church spearheaded a move to force leaders at a sister church to stop ordaining gays and lesbians as deacons and elders. If the leadership of Mount Auburn Presbyterian refused, then they would be asked to leave the denomination, according to the “overture.”

        Mount Auburn countered that its position was in line with Scripture and with the denomination's constitution that tells members to follow their conscience.

        A proposal to send the issue to an administrative commission partially defused — and certainly delayed — the battle.

        Members of the presbytery, which represents 83 churches and 22,000 adult members in the Tristate, met last week to hammer out the details of the commission.

        Although it could have been given the power to dissolve a congregation, the delegates or “commissioners” instead charged the group with studying the overtures and making a recommendation to the full body.

        The commission's first report is due in January.

        But there's no timeline for the final recommendation.

        Although the presbytery commissioners could reject the recommendation, that's unlikely, says the Rev. Sam Roberson, general presbyter.

        The presbytery rarely turns down recommendations from administrative commissions, he says.

        The group did, however, postpone naming the members of the commission until September.

        There was some concern, says the Rev. Mr. Roberson, that the seven proposed members didn't fully reflect all opinions on the issue.

        Stay tuned.

        For more religion listings, check out www.enquirer .com, keyword: events.

        Send religion news to rthompson@enquirer.com, or call 755-4144.

City lags in police reforms
A look at the deal and where city stands on changes
City suspends assistant chief
Boycott apparently losing steam
Graham mission indebted to sod
Immigrant to turn self in
Obituary: Paul Martin was CEO of Ohio National
Petting dogs therapeutic for ill and elderly
Poetry peddlers travel U.S.
Police: 4 charged in 'major' drug bust
Prosecutors, church meet over abuse
Two indicted on license charges
Xenia police teach how to catch online predators
MCNUTT: Neighborhoods
RADEL: Secret search
THOMPSON: Faith Matters
Ex-mayor of New Miami dies
Former chief enters plea
Fugitive ruled dead in Mexico
Lebanon voters to decide tax increase
Transit faces ballot battle in Butler Co.
FBI angry at parole recommendation
Prosecutors: Jail Traficant 7 years
Taft OKs sales of high-alcohol beer
Limited weekend bus service kept
Microchips gain as pet's ID card