DES MOINES – Thursday afternoon, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) voted to allow its pastors to marry same-sex couples in states where marriage equality is legal. In addition, the church voted to change its language regarding marriage in the church constitution to “two persons” instead of “a man and a woman.” Starting Saturday, Presbyterian pastors will be able to start marrying same-sex parishioners. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is now one of the largest Christian groups in the United States to embrace the freedom to marry. To take effect, that change would need to be approved by a majority of 172 local presbyteries, which will have a year to vote.
“This is a profound decision that will have a meaningful impact on the lives of thousands of couples and families,” said Donna Red Wing, Executive Director of One Iowa. “More and more, we are seeing people of faith embrace the freedom to marry. And so, it only makes sense that the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)–one of the largest Christian groups in the nation–makes this important step toward equality. We know that LGBT equality is a non-partisan issue that reaches across many faith beliefs and denominations. We commend the advocates and volunteers, including our friend Ted Coppock from Iowa and others, who have worked so hard within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to bring marriage equality closer to reality, and we commend the pastors and congregations who will take the next step as they enter into a year of discernment and decision and eventually a vote by the 172 presbyteries. We are so grateful that, in a separate vote, the Presbyterian General Assembly allows pastors to begin marrying their same-sex parishioners in states where marriage equality exists. We thank and we celebrate the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for taking this courageous step toward equality.”
“I praise God for this extraordinary decision,” said Iowa pastor Rev. Gregory Smith of the Fort Des Moines Presbyterian Church. Rev. Smith has been an outspoken advocate for marriage equality within the church for the past 5 years. “The hard work of many within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has finally paid off, and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this denomination. It’s time for the Church to reflect the fact that hearts and minds are changing every day on this issue. Our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters in Christ deserve the same unconditional love and acceptance as anyone else within the church. For me, this decision represents a profoundly personal victory, as I will now be able to marry my son and his partner right here in Iowa, a state that embraces diversity and equality for all.”
“It is an occasion to celebrate when the rights of two people who love one another are acknowledged and affirmed by a denomination of the church,” said Connie Ryan Terrell, Executive Director of the statewide Interfaith Alliance of Iowa. “While respecting those who disagree, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) has opened the door for inclusion within its churches and for pastors who agree that blessing the unions between all couples is important. This decision brings the universal church one step closer toward demonstrating God’s love for all of God’s children.”
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