12:52 PM
Gil Student
The RCA's reaction to the RA's recent decision (link):
Response to Rabbinical Assembly's Decisions Regarding Ordination of Gays and Lesbians, and "Commitment Ceremonies"
Dec 7, 2006 -- The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) has, with great sadness, taken note of this week's decision of the Rabbinical Assembly to allow for the ordination of gays and lesbians, as well as permission to officiate at so-called same-sex "commitment ceremonies."
This decision represents yet another significant step in the further estrangement of the Conservative movement from Jewish law (halachah) and tradition. Homosexual behavior is a clear and unambiguous biblical prohibition. The attempts to formulate halachic license or creative interpretation to permit prohibited behavior should not mislead anyone committed to traditional Judaism, into thinking that there can be any permissibility to homosexual activity, whether by rabbis or laypersons. And thus, to permit those who openly proclaim their non-adherence to Torah law, to assume positions of rabbinic leadership, is an entirely regrettable step.
We are also saddened by the concurrent decision of the Rabbinical Assembly to permit same-sex "commitment ceremonies" which undermine the institution of Jewish marriage and Jewish family life. In this regard we reaffirm the joint statement of the RCA and Orthodox Union, made on March 30th 2004, hereby appended to this statement.
Regrettably, these decisions will in the end serve to further deepen the schisms within the Jewish people.
