Presbyterian Church May Soon Allow Gay Marriage through Constitutional Change

The Presbyterian Church could be nearing a change in its constitution that would bless gay marriage. The church’s General Assembly voted to accept gay marriage last June; the motion now must be passed by 172 presbyteries to change the church’s stance on gay marriage. 

Christian Today reports that the vote has been completed by 40 percent of the church’s governing region so far. 51 presbyteries voted in favor of gay marriage acceptance while 23 voted against the constitution change. 

If passed, the Presbyterian Church’s constitution would claim that marriage is a "unique commitment between two people.” It currently reads that marriage is a “unique commitment between and man and a woman.” 

Some Presbyterian pastors have already been granted permission to preside over same-sex marriages in states where the practice is legal. 

The Presbyterian Church voted to ordain homosexuals four years ago in a close vote. 

Publication date: February 26, 2015