The Session at its stated meeting on February 16th voted to approve same gender marriages within FPCC if the majority of the 171 Presbyteries of the PCUSA vote to accept the proposed redefinition of marriage as “between two persons, ordinarily a man and a woman…”. If the majority of the Presbyteries vote to change the language, same gender marriages will immediately become a part of the FPCC wedding policy. If the majority of the Presbyteries vote not to change the language, then same gender marriages will not become a part of the FPCC wedding policy.
On March 17th, the 87th yes vote was cast in favor of amending the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) regarding the definition of marriage. As a result of receiving affirmative votes from one-half of the 171 Presbyteries, marriage is now defined by the PCUSA as of June 21, 2015 as “between two persons, ordinarily a man and a woman…”.
As a result, by Session vote, same-gender marriages will be allowed within the wedding policy of First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant as of the effective date of the amendment.
The Session thanks everyone who attended the congregational gatherings around this subject, as well as those who took the time to share their views in other ways. If you have any questions regarding this issue, please speak to one of the Elders or Rev. Chris Weichman.
