Mitzi Henderson, MLP Co-moderator explained the proposed ban saying, "If the church is serious about the importance of faith to family life, to wholeness of relationships, it cannot continue to ignore the commitments of same gender couples. The public blessing of love and fidelity, before family and friends, has a profoundly spiritual significance."

Local pastors were among the strongest opponents to Amendment O. Pastor Tom Davis of Hanover Street Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Delaware put it this way, " I think this was just another measure to exclude people who are in genuinely loving and committed relationships from receiving the blessings of God and the recognition of the church. I am in favor of blessing same gender unions because it encourages fidelity and brings lesbian and gay people into closer relationship with our church."

Same gender commitment ceremonies are an important ministry of many congregations reaching out to the LGBT community. Martha Juillerat of Minneapolis, MN, a former Presbyterian minister, talked about the significance of her commitment ceremony with her life partner of thirteen years, Tammy Lindahl. "A holy union is important to me not only because I am a lesbian, but even more so because I am a person of faith. As a person of faith I commit all of my life to God -- my work, my family, my friendships, my service. How can I not commit the most important human relationship in my life to God? As a pastor, how can I ever deny this to others to commit their life and love in this way?"

More Light Presbyterians and That All May Freely Serve hope to work together with others in our church to strengthen our covenantal and family relationships. These groups have joined together in an open letter to say that they are ready to work along with the broader church," toward stronger, more faithful, and meaningful relationships for all church members." The letter re-affirms a commitment to work for the inclusion of all people in the church and to recognize the blessings that God has to offer lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of faith who are in loving and committed relationships. "Our families and our friends join with us to stand in support, and to honor our commitments in deeply sacred moments for all presentI.We call on our Presbyterian Church (USA) to create venues in which we may learn from each other and work toward healthy human relationships, in all their forms."

More Light Presbyterians is an organization of congregations and individuals in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) working for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Christians in the life and leadership of the church.

Background on MLP and Amendment O