 We grieve that same-sex love, marriage and family were not recognized or affirmed in today's GAPJC decision in the Spahr case. Love is a gift from God. We are sad that the highest judicial court in our Church failed to stand on the side of love today.
Rev. Janie Spahr said of this decision: "This is a very sad day for our church. This ruling only perpetuates prejudice and the violence we have known only too well. When we as LGBT people and our marriages continue to be considered 'less than' or 'second class' the church wrongly promotes the myths and stereotypes so harmful to the entire community. The church has once again said no to its very own children and family members. We will continue to honor our relationships and marriages as we work and pray for the day when the church recognizes everyone’s full humanity. When the church keeps saying no, we keep listening to God’s 'Yes!' to us. God’s 'Yes!'"
Sara Taylor, attorney for Rev. Spahr, said, "It saddens me that this GAPJC does not understand the close connection between the civil and sacred dimensions of marriage. Its decision, today, is disappointing because it fails to understand or recognize the tremendous faithfulness of these couples. The GAPJC’s insistence on separating the sacred and legal aspects of holy marriage is contrary this denomination’s historical, theological and scriptural understandings of marriage."
The 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) will have the opportunity this summer to consider marriage equality overtures being sent from a growing number of presbyteries across the country. We hope the General Assembly will prayerfully consider and pass these marriage equality overtures. The GAPJC decision can be downloaded from the Office of the General Assembly. Take some time to read the dissenting opinions. See Also: |
Home |
About MLP |
Welcoming Churches |
Movement Events |
MLP Resources |
MLP Media |
Donate to MLP |
