Just wanted you to know that the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church voted on Thursday to allow same sex marriages in states where they are already legal. My Dad, a Presbyterian minister, is thrilled to finally be able to marry same sex couples within his church. This is probably under the radar, but I think it is huge for common society to have a large national mainstream church recognize this right for all loving couples. Progress!

Another Presby writes:

I know we’re a bit late to the marriage equality game, but we’ve been at this conversation for a long time and this is a day to rejoice for so many of us in our little corner of the church. By a strong majority (61%-39%), the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) at its biennial assembly in Detroit voted to allow ministers to officiate at weddings of same-sex couples in states where it is legal. (The technical language is that this is an “authoritative interpretation” of our constitution by our most inclusive governing body.) It takes effect immediately. Presbyterians who love their church may be married by their own pastors as early as this Sunday if they wish. As a young adult minister who serves this denomination, I could not be more grateful.

Later that afternoon we also voted to change our constitutional definition of marriage from “a man and a woman” to “two people, traditionally a man and a woman.” This passed by an even wider margin (approximately 71%-29%). This change must be ratified by a majority of our presbyteries (regional governing bodies – we have 172 of them) in the next year, but the hope is that it will pass with flying colors.

We have so much to be grateful for. As you would say, “know hope.” As it turns out, our theme for this year’s general assembly is “Abound in Hope,” drawn from language from chapter 15 of the apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans.