Many praised the revised document as a compromise that meets the needs of today’s Presbyterian church, but some advocates for gays and lesbians say they are dismayed by the change.
• To the left: Next, the Assembly rejected the “Christian Declaration of Marriage,” an ecumenical document, endorsed by Baptists and Catholics, that supporters call a clear affirmation of what Presbyterians already believe. Some critics say it departs from Reformed tradition; others said they opposed it because it does not affirm gay and lesbian marriage. “Any two people who are willing to stand before god and say they love each other and want to be committed in love should have the blessing of the church,” said Ann Richards, commissioner from Cascades Presbytery. The Assembly called for a year of churchwide prayer in support of marriage.
• Left, Right: The Assembly urged the state of Virginia to reconsider a recent law ending contractual rights between same-sex partners, and affirmed a broader resolution promoting civil rights for gay and lesbian couples. “There’s a bumper sticker that states, if gay people get civil rights, then everybody’s going to want them,” said Todd Freeman, a minister from Dallas, and a co-author of the resolution. But, in voting to support the resolution as amended by the National Issues committee the Assembly backed away from supporting civil marriage for same-sex couples. “Our church has always spoken for, on behalf of civil rights. Our Constitution, the Book of Order, is also very clear on what marriage is,” said James H.Y. Kim, moderator of the committee.
• Left, Right: The Assembly affirmed the committee’s decision not to support a U.S. Constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. But it decided not to oppose the ban, either, and it changed church policy when it directed General Assembly entities — such as the Washington Office — to advocate neither for nor against the Federal Marriage Amendment. The Presbyterian Church has twice joined with other denominations to oppose such a ban.
The Assembly also concurred with the committee in deciding not to advocate for the repeal of the Patriot Act, but favored a “thorough, calm and reasoned review” of the Act.
