Church members who desire an inclusive Presbyterian Church (USA) were joined by about 350 others who gave up part of their dinner break Friday after the General Assembly rejected the latest effort to move the church toward inclusion of gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgendered persons.

"This is desperately hurtful," the Rev. Jane Spahr said in a brief address to the crowd. "All we want to do is walk beside you, serve beside you. We've heard another 'No.' "

Moderator Rick Ufford-Chase, who had urged Assembly participants to join the gathering, led a prayer. Also on hand were Vice Moderator Jean Marie Peacock, newly re-elected Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick and other church leaders.

Also in attendance were the authors of the measure the Assembly had approved, which retains an "authoritative interpretation" of the church constitution that forbids the ordination of "self-affirming, practicing homosexuals" as officers of the church.

"One more time, the task is clear," Ufford-Chase said. "Jesus calls us to take up our cross and walk. There is work to be done. Let's take on the work. Amen."

Marco Grimaldo, a former board member of More Light Presbyterians, called on the group to "be in prayer for the next two years," until the next GA, and led a responsive litany titled "Justice knows no season; justice cannot wait."

A commissioner stepped into the middle of the circle, Bible in hand, and read the Beatitudes. Ricardo Moreno, moderator of the Hispanic-Latino Presbyterian Caucus, implored those working for an inclusive church: "Don't go away. Stay with us. We are one church."

"We will return every year until we can serve beside you," Spahr replied.