United Church of Christ backs gay marriage

The United Church of Christ passed a resolution endorsing same-sex marriage on Independence Day. The resolution calls on member churches to consider wedding policies that “do not discriminate against couples based on gender.” The resolution also asks member churches to consider supporting legislation granting equal marriage rights to gay and lesbian couples and to work against laws banning gay marriage.

The adoption of the resolution by the church’s governing body makes it the largest Christian denomination to endorse the same-sex marriage. The more than 5,700 UCC churches are autonomous and not bound by the General Synod decision.

The United Church of Christ is a liberal segment of the Christian Church and the decision will undoubtedly not be adhered to by all the nation’s UCC churches (several of the more conservative parishes are already planning to leave following the decision). However, this is a great step forward in the fight for equal marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples.

In keeping with the Yellow Line’s previously stated position (here, and here), we believe that “one’s own family and community (most often through a religious institution and always through some form of ceremony) confer the spiritual unity that is marriage” while governments confer rights. Thus, TYL will continue to strongly endorse the establishment of civil unions for all couples while leaving the decision to bestow marriage upon individuals with the couple’s Church.

We applaud the United Church of Christ's decision.