Presbyterian Authorities Rule To Side With Gay Marriage
DETROIT (WWJ) -- History was written in Detroit this week when the ruling body of the Presbyterian Church voted overwhelmingly to recognize and celebrate gay marriage at their 221st General Assembly.
Andrew Smith, one of the ruling elders of the church, said that the church's constitution will be changed to declare that gay marriage is "christian".
"We believe that God's welcome is for everyone -- no questions asked," Smith said. "Jesus said, 'the greatest law is to love your neighbor as yourselves."
Delegates voted to allow Presbyterian ministers nationwide to perform same-sex weddings in states that allow them. Smith said that he believes his marriage to his wife is better today because of the decision made by his church.
"My wife and I both agree that this is a great thing for the Presbyterian Church of the U.S.A and that our heterosexual marriage means more because our gay and lesbian friends can now be married," Smith said.
The ruling still needs to be approved by the 172 regional assemblies of the church.
