Tonight
National Capital Presbytery considered two overtures to the General Assembly of
the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) related to marriage. One would amend the
directory of worship’s statement on marriage to make it inclusive of
same-gender couples. The other would allow pastors to perform same-gender
weddings in civil jurisdictions where such marriages are legal without fear of
sanction in church judicial proceedings.
The session
at Clarendon unanimously endorsed both of the overtures. The following is the brief
statement that I prepared in support of the overtures.
As many of
you recall, eight years ago our session decided to no longer authorize the
pastor to sign marriage licenses for any couple – same-gender or straight. We
changed that policy recently responding to changes in civil law in Maryland and
the District, and following the Biblical call to do justice.
In March I
will perform the wedding of two men who, last year, celebrated 25 years
together. On the 26th anniversary of their first date we’ll hold a
service of Christian marriage in the sanctuary at Clarendon, and then adjourn
to the Lincoln Memorial to conduct the civil rite.
Ron and
James have been members at Clarendon for more than 20 years. James grew up in a
Presbyterian church in West Virginia. Each is an elder. James currently serves on
session, and Ron is serving as a deacon. The Presbyterian Church has blessed
their ordinations; now they seek the blessing of the church on their marriage. They
are my brothers in Christ, and I am honored to marry them.
I long for
the day when the whole church celebrates with us. These overtures will bring
that day closer.
Both
overtures passed National Capital Presbytery on voice votes. The question was
called while I was standing in line at the mic.
