Amendment 00-O Association of Stated Clerks November 2000 Official description On Adding New Section W-4.9007 Prohibiting Same-Sex Unions Committee and General Assembly action General Assembly Committee on Physical and Spiritual Well-Being Committee Vote: 25/22/0 General Assembly Action: Approved the committee’s recommendation Background In November 1999, the Permanent Judicial Commission of the synod of the Northeast in the case of Benton v. Presbytery of Hudson River decided that “the constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) does not prohibit same-sex unions that are not the same as marriage. …” This ruling was, in substance, affirmed just prior to the General Assembly meeting by the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission. This overture is the response to the PJC’s determination that the constitution would need to be amended for a different result to apply. Arguments supporting approval The blessing of God on sexual relationships in the Bible is mentioned only in context between a man and a woman. Same-sex unions diminish the Christian understanding of marriage (W-4.9004). Confessional standards already include “the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness” (G-6.0106b). Blessing a same-sex union implies the church’s approval of conduce which the Scriptures and our confessions call sin. The church should speak against the confusion of our time. Celebrating unions between people of the same sex contributes to the confusion. Arguments against approval The addition of the amendment would interfere with pastoral care and freedom in an unprecedented manner. The church should be able to trust pastors and sessions to act appropriately in situations in which there is cause for blessing such a union. The amendment intrudes on the power and duty of sessions to determine uses of church property. See Book of Order G-10-0102o. The addition of the amendment further divides the church. The amendment is inconsistent with the PCUSA’s policy of acceptance of all persons into membership in the church. Denial of this blessing creates a category of second-class members. Implications If the amendment is approved, no church officer (minister, elder, or deacon) will be able to take part in conducting a ceremony that blesses a union that is not a covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, nor will church property be able to be used for such a ceremony.

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