Presbyterian Church USA will vote to allow same-sex marriage
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JACKSON, Tenn. — The Presbyterian Church USA is working to rewrite the definition of marriage in its constitution that would include same-sex couples. The definition of marriage would change from “a unique commitment between a man and a woman” to “two people,” which would allow pastors to perform same-sex marriages. “In our denomination of the Presbyterian Church USA we believe all are welcome, and so because of that we have a great variety of people,” Pastor John White said. White is the pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson. He says personally he’s more conservative but realizes this change may happen. “A great variety of people means a great variety of issues are raised, and some of them are very controversial,” White said. “One of those is currently the issue of same-sex marriage.” Down the street at Grace Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Brent Sadler said things like this are why the Presbyterian Church of America left the Presbyterian Church USA 40 years ago. “Once you abandon the Word of God as being your standard, being your sole norm for faith and practice in your denomination, then you start trying to have to figure out everything,” Sadler said. Sadler said he expects the amendment to go forward but hopes it doesn’t. “I think that thing is already defined for us in the Bible,” Sadler said. Currently, 51 of 172 presbyteries have voted in favor of redefining marriage. As of now only 43 percent has voted. The remaining presbyteries have until June to cast their votes to make the final decision. If approved, the amendment would take effect June 21.
