Presbyterian church and gay marriage

An ecclesiastical court for the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa declared that "the Presbyterian church allows gay marriage" and that pastors may exercise their consciences. 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.

Just as the church changed her stance on slavery and women’s role in the church, some of us have come to understand these biblical prohibitions of homosexual behavior to refer instead to violent sexual acts against anyone, with specific reference to sexual acts between men and children. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has been engaged in discussion and debate about sexuality and faithful sexual relationships across the last several decades; much of this debate has been focused on the morality of same-gender relationships.

The Presbyterian Church USA has voted to change the definition of marriage to include gay marriage. The new definition was endorsed last year by the denomination's top legislative body as an amendment to the church constitution. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has adopted a new policy that means anyone in a same-sex relationship cannot be a full member of the Church.

The move comes after the Church cut ceremonial ties with the Church of Scotland due to its more liberal attitude to same-sex relationships. Not everyone in the Church agreed with the adoption of the new rules on membership and baptism. There was a lengthy debate on Friday morning at the annual meeting in Belfast of the decision-making General Assembly. The Rev John Dunlop, a former moderator, said it was a "highly sensitive" issue and cautioned against adopting any formal rules on the matter.

However, another former moderator, the Rev Stafford Carson, argued that the Church needed to make its position clear that it was not in favour of same-sex relationships. The policy is contained in a report by the Church's doctrine committee. The committee concluded: "In light of our understanding of scripture and the Church's understanding of a credible profession of faith, it is clear that same-sex couples are not eligible for communicant membership nor are they qualified to receive baptism for their children.

A motion to shelve the report was defeated in a vote. It was a show of hands rather than a recorded vote. The Presbyterian Church has made it clear that the new policy does not prevent people in a same-sex relationship attending church. Skip to content.

Presbyterian Church in Ireland votes against gay membership. Share Save. It also means their children cannot be baptised. Irish Presbyterians vote to loosen Scottish church ties Church of Scotland moves towards same-sex marriage. The debate lasted more than an hour and more than 20 people spoke. Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Rev Charles McMullen was elected church moderator on Monday.

presbyterian church split

Presbyterian Church loosens Scottish ties. Kirk moves towards allowing gay marriage. Presbyterian Church elects next moderator.