wfn.org | Presbyterian Panel survey: Most Presbyterians oppose same-sex unions

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Note #6412 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

2-March-2001
01085

Presbyterian Panel survey: Most Presbyterians oppose same-sex unions

Meanwhile, with 73 percent of vote in, Amendment O trails, 53-74 

by Jerry L. Van Marter

LOUISVILLE - Although a constitutional amendment expressly prohibiting
same-sex union ceremonies in the Presbyterian Church (USA) is trailing in
voting by the denomination's 173 presbyteries, a recent Presbyterian Panel
poll indicates that a majority of Presbyterians favors such a ban.

The statistically valid poll of church members, elders, pastors and
specialized clergy (ordained ministers not serving congregations), conducted
last August by the PC(USA)'s Research Services office, found that 57 percent
of members, 61 percent of elders, 50 percent of pastors and 30 percent of
specialized clergy agree that "Presbyterian ministers should be prohibited
from performing a ceremony that blesses the union between two people of the
same sex."

Similar majorities - 67 percent of members, 66 percent of elders and 53
percent of pastors - along with one-third of specialized clergy, agree that
same-sex union ceremonies should not take place in Presbyterian churches.

Unofficial tallies of the presbyteries' votes on Amendment O - the
commonly-called "same sex unions" amendment - show the measure trailing by a
vote of 53 in favor and 74 opposed, a pattern that would spell defeat for
the amendment if it continues. Eighty-seven votes either way are needed to
decide the fate of the measure.

Presbytery debates indicate that the discrepancy between the poll results
and voting patterns may have to do with the wording of the proposed
amendment, which does not mention "same-sex unions."

It would add a new section, W-4.9007, to The Book of Order: "Scripture and
our Confessions teach that God's intention for all people is to live either
in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or in
chastity in singleness. Church property shall not be used for, and church
officers shall not take part in conducting, any ceremony or event that
pronounces blessing or gives approval of the church or invokes the blessing
of God upon any relationship that is inconsistent with God's intention as
expressed in the preceding sentence."

Twenty-two presbyteries that in 1996-'97 voted for Amendment B - now
G-60106b of The Book of Order, which established "fidelity in marriage
between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness" as the sexual standard
for ordination -have voted against Amendment O.

Opponents of the measure argue that it is so vaguely worded as to possibly
proscribe other ceremonies, such as baptisms, funerals and the Lord's Supper
for same sex couples; that it is unnecessary because The Book of Order
already defines marriage as between a man and a woman; and that it unduly
infringes upon the pastoral responsibilities of pastors and sessions.

Proponents argue that a Permanent Judicial Commission's decision last spring
that same-sex union ceremonies are allowable in the PC(USA) "as long as they
are not considered the same as marriage ceremonies" has created a loophole
in The Book of Order that must be closed.

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