In two preparatory committees yesterday, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) took three major steps towards full inclusion and support for LGBT people in their church, and worldwide. These have yet to be ratified by the full assembly, but the strength of the committee support, and the backing of church leadership, indicate that final passage is likely.
The marriage and family committee considered the two resolutions (“overtures”, in the language of the GA) that will attract most attention, concerning same - sex marriage. The first, which is technically an “authoritative interpretation” of church rules , simply permits pastors to officiate at gay weddings, guided by conscience. will take effect immediately if passed. This is the more likely of the two to pass, and to pass easily. (In committee, it passed by a comfortable 51 votes to 18).
The second resolution could be more of a stretch (although it too passed the committee vote with ease, by 49 votes to 18). That’s because it calls for an actual change in the church rules, to the “Book of Discipline”, with a clear and unambiguous amendment of the church’s definition of marriage, from being “between a man and a woman”, to ” between two people”. The Presbyterian Outlook has the story:
General Assembly committee opens door for Presbyterian ministers to perform same-sex marriages
A General Assembly committee has opened the door for ministers in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to perform same-sex marriages – which, if the full assembly follows that direction later this week, could be a momentous step which would both thrill supporters of marriage equality and drive more of those who disagree to leave the PC(USA).
By approving both measures, the committee set in motion the possibility that PC(USA) ministers could begin performing same-sex marriages immediately following this assembly, if the assembly approves a new authoritative interpretation. Currently, 19 states plus the District of Columbia permit same-sex weddings, but a 2008 ruling from the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission bars PC(USA) teaching elders from performing such marriages.
Meanwhile, in the social justice committee a proposal for PCUSA to respond to “the Global Crisis for LGBT People and Their Families” passed unanimously. This proposal asks GA to:
- Encourage each Presbyterian to hold in prayer our LGBT sisters and brothers in the countries where they are vulnerable around the world.
- Encourage the Presbyterian Mission Agency to create educational resources about the critical global LGBT situation and forward those resources to synods and presbyteries for study and action.
- Encourage Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations to consider preparations to provide sanctuary, safety, and support for LGBT refugees and asylum seekers.
Related articles
- Church’s “Error” on Gay Marriage Undermining Christian Witness (queeringthechurch.com)
- Will US Presbyterians Approve Gay Church Weddings? (queeringthechurch.com)
- The Failed Attempt to Blunt Progressive Christianity (theliberalspirit.com)
- Showing the Love and Justice of Jesus Christ (shuckandjive.org)
