GA221 on Marriage
Let us pray that we can allow the Spirit to continue to create in us a common call to follow Christ while respecting each other’s convictions. - Gradye Parsons
On the passage of amendment 14-F
Watch the video in Español or 한국어.
Other resources:
- Moderator and Vice Moderator issue letter on marriage amendment (PDF) Español (PDF)
- Advisory Opinion on the amendment of W-4.9000 (PDF) Español (PDF)
Presbytery voting on proposed Book of Order amendment
A message from THE Stated Clerk, Gradye Parsons
The authoritative interpretation of W-4.9000
"...the freedom of conscience in the interpretation of Scripture (G-2.0105) to participate in any such marriage they believe the Holy Spirit calls them to perform."
The proposed amendment to the Book of Order
"Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman, to love and support each other for the rest of their lives."
Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
We, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), have been in a long period of discernment around the issues of inclusion of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) people in the life of the church.
Read more.
Biblical and Theological Rationale
This document contains biblical and theological rationales on marriage.
Read more.
Resources:
2014
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A side by side comparison of the proposed amendment of W-4.9000 on marriage and the current wording.
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Download the proposed amendments to the Constitution, including the one on marriage, approved by the 221st General Assembly (2014) and recommended to the presbyteries for their vote.
Proposed amendments to the Constitution -
Please know that the same triune God in whom we place our hope, faith and trust in is still in control, and that the Assembly’s action today is the result of deep discernment to hear God’s voice and discern God’s will.
PC(USA) leaders issue pastoral letter to the church on Assembly’s marriage actions -
After clearing a number of procedural hurdles, the 221st General Assembly (2014) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) agreed to grant pastors discretion in determining whether or not to conduct same-gender marriages in civil jurisdictions where such marriages are legal.
Assembly approves allowing pastors to perform same-gender marriage where legal Sends proposed constitutional amendment changing marriage definition -
Pastors in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) would be granted discretion to perform same-gender marriages in civil jurisdictions where they are legal if a recommendation from a committee at the 221st General Assembly (2014) is adopted by the full Assembly later this week.
Committee recommends that Presbyterian pastors be permitted to perform same-sex marriages where they are legal - Even before the 221st General Assembly (2014) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) officially started, a series of Riverside Conversations Saturday morning gave commissioners and advisory delegates the opportunity to hear background and ask questions on some of the top issues they'll be addressing.
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At issue was W-4.9001 of the denomination’s Book of Order, or constitution, which states: “marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire human family. Marriage is a civil contract between a woman and a man. For Christians, marriage is a covenant through which a man and a woman are called to live out together before God their lives of discipleship. In a service of Christian marriage, a lifelong commitment is made by a woman and a man to each other, publicly witnessed and acknowledged by the community of faith.”
General Assembly backgrounder: civil unions and marriage
2013
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The study was referred to the Office of Theology and Worship by the 220th General Assembly (2012). At that Assembly, commissioners voted against changing the PC(USA)’s definition of marriage as “a civil contract between a woman and a man.” Instead, they called for two years of “serious study and discernment” regarding Christian marriage.
- Six-session version
PC(USA) marriage study available for download | Español / Spanish | Korean
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Two-hour version
"Christian Marriage in the PC(USA): Two-Hour Version"
Leader's Guide
Traducciones al español / Spanish translations: Estudio / Study | Guía de lideres / Leader's Guide
Korean translations: Study | Leader's Guide
2011
- Report on "Civil Union and Christian Marriage"
Reflections outside the PC(USA):
- Same-sex partners can’t marry in a United Methodist Church. But if one of the spouses works at one of the denomination’s 13 general agencies, the couple can get benefits if state laws allow it.
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The United Church of Christ sued the state of North Carolina on Monday (April 28) over its constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, saying the 2012 amendment violates the religious freedom of its clergy.
United Church of Christ sues over North Carolina gay marriage ban
Other resources
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Statement on the Gift of Marriage from the 1993 Book of Common Worship
I am against the inclusion of GAY/LESBION marriage. I would approve of a union of same but not called marriage
by Jerry Ryman
June 29, 2015
Cascades Presbytery voted to approve the amendment on November 15, 2014.
by Matt Gough
November 19, 2014