Presbyterian and gay marriage

The Presbyterian Church (USA) voted to allow same-gender marriages on 19 June during its st General Assembly, making it one of the largest Christian denominations in the world to openly accept same-sex unions. This vote effectively lifted a previous ban and allows pastors to perform marriages in jurisdictions where it is legal. (RNS) — Pastors and church leaders in the Presbyterian Church in America passed an overture at its General Assembly this week saying those who identify as gay are not qualified for ordination.

In this 3-part series, learn about the decades-long fight for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the PC (USA). Click the Part links below to access resource pages, including links to the historic voices, moments, and actions featured in each video. The Presbyterian Church (USA) made a historic decision Tuesday night to formally recognize gay marriage and allow same-sex couples to marry in its congregations.

does the presbyterian church allow gay marriage

Discussions about sexuality and faithful sexual relationships in the PC (USA) have coalesced around three specific areas: rights in civil society, ordination to the ordered ministries of the church, and marriage. As far back as , the Presbyterian Church has called for civil rights for all people, regardless of sexual orientation.

Amid shouts of joy and cries of lament, some Presbyterians stop to take stock of the newest amendment to the Presbyterian Church U. March 25, Patrick D. In Chicago, the news came sporadically. She was speaking of a spiritual awakening, of a movement beyond fear and walls, when a few began to notice the violent jar of cell phones beeping and beaming. As more and more participants began feverishly texting and tweeting, one of them stood up and asked if they could acknowledge what was happening.

At first, there was silence. Many of the gathered leaders, after a pause, rose from their pews and began to applaud, some cheering, their faces visible with celebration as well as a deep consciousness of those for whom this may be either a hello or a goodbye. This denomination has strong global infrastructure for missionary coworkers, disaster relief, and self-development programs for afflicted people internationally and domestically.

And there is a tremendous and effective witness for our Lord entrained in this vital work! Stay at your post. Serve your missions and communities for Christ. In Moncks Corner, South Carolina, however, Timothy Scoonover, a young pastor, talked with an year-old member about a different kind of quitting. As they sat together, over lunch, she told him that she felt like it was the denomination that had quit her.

Trembling, she said that when she had read the headline, she had cried. The experiences in Chicago and Moncks Corner and across the Twitter-sphere exemplify tensions felt across the denomination. What is perceived by one to be a shining example of democracy at work, for instance, is to another the tyranny of an out-of-touch leadership. It feels very significant. To some, these disagreements seem insurmountable. This is a gospel issue—the question of whether or not we stand in need of salvation, whether there are things we can fix ourselves or [which] are irredeemable without Christ.

Though the new language added to the PC USA Constitution clearly states that no pastor or congregation can be forced to officiate a same-sex marriage, fear of that eventuality weighs heavily on pastors like Scoonover. Paul Detterman, executive director of the Fellowship Community, shares this concern. Coercion has no place. Many advocates for marriage equality are conscious of these concerns.

This is merely permission. Others are quick to explain that cultural bias works both ways. We recognize that our cultural biases and prejudices were woven throughout the biblical witness. This recognition has helped lead the Presbyterian Church to change its traditional stance on a number of issues, including slavery, racial equality, and the right of women to be ordained into positions of church leadership.

Many of us also recognize that the biblical passages that condemn same-gender sexual acts are not in reference to couples in a loving mutual relationship, but rather address relationships that are controlling, abusive, and exploitative. Many Presbyterians, however, want to be clear that this is a time for celebration, not explanation, for all those who have felt shut out by the church.

Colin Kerr worships with an evangelical Presbyterian congregation and is director of the Journey, a campus ministry for the College of Charleston. Among the evangelical young adults he works with, Kerr discerns very different priorities. In the same token, students from more conservative backgrounds have no problem participating in a community that is openly inclusive.