Marriage is a union of one man and one woman, General Assembly declared in reaffirming its position. The definition is based on the church's subordinate standards. Moderator Jean Morris will inform the federal government of the assembly's decision.
The issue caused a lengthy and heated debate, with the moderator asking Rev. Rick Fee to assume the chair during part of the discussion. Commissioners were given time to think about the issue before voting, while a special committee discussed two overtures in depth.
One commissioner said it was "time for the church to speak out in a prophetic voice, but with love to those struggling with sexuality." Another mentioned the diversity of opinion within the church and for that reason it is difficult to claim one clear voice as its own. Another was hesitant about the church telling the government what to do.
The assembly will also advise presbyteries to tell ministers and congregations seeking guidance concerning the conduct of and participation in marriages that they be directed to the confessional position of the church on the definition of marriage.
