In 1991, the Rev. Jane (Janie) Spahr was chosen by the Downtown United Presbyterian Church to become one of their four co-pastors. The congregation knew of Rev. Spahr's sexual orientation, but was more interested in her compassion, her experience, and her powerful Sunday sermons.

Unfortunately, other Presbyterians in the Rochester area did not agree and formally challenged the call. Although the Downtown Church's actions were upheld twice by its Presbytery (Genesee Valley) and by the Synod of the Northeast, the official protests led finally to a negative ruling from the Permanent Judicial Commission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly -- a ruling that denied the Downtown Church's call to Rev. Spahr. The Commission based its decision on the denomination's so-called "Definitive Guidance", a policy reached in 1978 following a church-wide study of homosexuality and the ministry. The policy states that homosexuality is incompatible with ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Rev. Spahr was allowed to remain a minister in good standing only because she was ordained four years prior to that 1978 study.

That All May Freely Serve started in 1993 with the specific goal of allowing Rev. Spahr to assume full pastoral duties at the Downtown Church, however, it quickly became apparent that other congregations and individuals across the U.S. were facing similar issues. That All May Freely Serve is now a catalyst for change for the entire Presbyterian U.S.A. denomination.

TAMFS Regional Evangelists

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That All May Freely Serve - Presbyterian Welcome employs Rev. Cliff Frasier.

That All May Freely Serve - Baltimore employs Rev. Don Stroud.