JCD 1185

http://archives.umc.org/interior_judicial.asp?mid=263&JDID=1306&JDMOD=VWD&SN=1100&EN=1189

The Council picked up work on a New York Conference resolution that would have allowed its pastors in Connecticut to marry same sex couples, a lawful option for those living in that state (JCM 1155).

The Council ruled that the church may define marriage in its own way no matter what civil authorities in the various states do. While a pastor has discretion about any couple presenting themselves for marriage, the pastor may not violate the church’s definition of one man/one woman. That can only be changed by General Conference.

Again, the Council has been very careful in examining church law and settling the issues raised by the New York Conference argument. For that reason, this decision is well worth reading.

Some of us wish church law was different on this matter, but it is up to us to persuade the General Conference. If there are any other church law conflicts that the Council could consider to overturn the Church’s current definition of marriage, I do not know what it is.