2016 OkEq Equality Gala

Russell Bennett Spiritual Inclusion Award Recipient

The Rev. Todd Freeman

 The Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) voted against a proposed change in the denomination’s constitution that would recognize same-sex marriage. The presbytery voted 46 to 33, against the change, defining marriage not as the union of a man and a woman but as a “unique commitment between two people.” During the debate before the vote, Todd Freeman of College Hill Presbyterian Church in Tulsa said for the first time publicly that he is gay. He read a statement telling of his struggle with being gay.  “This isn’t about me but rather about God calling people, regardless of their sexual orientation, into a loving and committed relationship. And with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, I am among those that no longer believe that homosexuality, nor its expression in relationship, is in and of itself a sin.”