United Church of Christ Approves Gay Marriage

I read this a week or so ago. I was surprised that a main stream church would do this, but was happy to see it. In some circles, what we are asking for is respected and accepted. Maybe more will follow.

On the flip side of this, the committee approved the resolution, but the church can still decide if it will formally become policy. Also, United Church of Christ churches are autonomous. This decision does not create policy for its more than 5,700 congregations.

In my own life, I’ve given up on religion. I’ve come to a decision that most people in religion don’t understand our community or have any desire to understand our community. I think what did it for me was when the local Presbyterian Church in Coventry told us that, as a couple, we would not be welcome. That was a tough one for me to deal with.

A committee of United Church of Christ representatives approved a resolution Sunday that moves the church one step closer to becoming the largest Christian denomination to endorse same-sex marriage.

The resolution supported by the UCC’s president, John H. Thomas, drew overwhelming support and was recommended for approval when the General Synod votes on it Monday.

It would specify that bisexual and transgender persons merit the same support and protections as gays and lesbians. The wording was revised Sunday, however, to included the “recognition that this resolution may not reflect the views or current understanding of all bodies within the gathered church.”

UCC churches are autonomous, meaning the leadership does not create policy for its more than 5,700 congregations. (source)

Then this came out yesterday...

Church Gives Gay Marriage the Go-Ahead - Some say it's a landmark week for civil rights.

A major church passed a resolution Monday blessing gay marriage--- but what's it mean for our area? (source)