DOBBS FERRY — It was almost a typical ceremony for Raymond Bagnuolo, who yesterday was ordained a minister during a service at South Presbyterian Church in Dobbs Ferry.

Asked if he accepted the Scriptures, if he believed in one God and creator, if he would proclaim the word and sacrament, Bagnuolo responded yes. But when asked if he would abide by the church's constitution, Bagnuolo said he had one exception.

He would not abide by a church amendment that calls for its ordained leaders to practice fidelity in marriage or chastity if single, a measure aimed at excluding gays from being ordained. Bagnuolo, who is openly gay, believes the amendment questions God's creation and contributes to violence against the gay community.

"This is a happy and wonderful indication of what can happen when you don't give up and when you wait and see what God has in store for you," said Bagnuolo, 54, of White Plains.

Other gay candidates have omitted details of their personal lives when questioned for ministerial positions, church leaders said yesterday, but Bagnuolo was vocal about his sexuality from the beginning.

Yesterday, the Rev. Janie Adams Spahr, director of That All May Freely Serve, an organization that works for the ordination of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender candidates in the Presbyterian Church, thanked Bagnuolo for his efforts.

The Presbytery of Hudson River approved Bagnuolo for ordainment in September, but the ordination could face a judicial challenge from the Presbyterian Church USA.

The Rev. David Prince, interim executive presbyter, or ruling elder, of the Hudson River Presbytery, said yesterday he was proud of the decision, adding that Bagnuolo was highly qualified for the post.

Karen Engelmann, a member of the South Presbyterian Church, came to the ordination to support Bagnuolo, in what she called a terrific event. "I think we should be very proud and honored that this event would take place here," she said.

The Hudson River Presbytery is among the more liberal in the country. At least 16 congregations have declared their willingness to call gay ministers in defiance of the church's constitution.

"Our work is to continue to make it possible so the faith community can choose the best candidates," Spahr said. "We want to give people the chance to do what they were born to do."

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