What's in Marriage?

          Who'd have thought it? That the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court would render a decision saying We declare that barring an individual from the protections, benefits, and obligations of civil marriage solely because that person would marry a person of the same sex violates the Massachusetts constitution (from the text of the decision). The SJC clearly cites constitutional affirmation of the dignity and equality of all individuals, and the prohibiting of the creation of second-class citizens (also from the text).

          Shock waves have been felt everywhere. Gays and lesbians in committed relationships who have long sought full recognition are rejoicing. Legislators struggle over the meaning of the court's 180-day waiting period, and the Senate has asked the SJC for an advisory opinion as to whether the civil union legislation (which could provide some, but not all, of the rights and privileges of marriage) might stand up to judicial scrutiny. I recently attended a meeting of clergy with Burlington's House Representative, Charles Murphy, who has said he intends to file such legislation. A Constitutional convention of the legislature in February, meanwhile, is scheduled to take up discussion of a possible constitutional amendment that would limit marriage to a relationship of one man and one woman. The Roman Catholic leadership has voiced its strong condemnation of the SJC decision; yet, in a heavily Catholic state, a solid majority of citizens polled just after the SJC announcement agreed with it.

          One sure thing is that in coming weeks, powerful advocacy groups on both sides will be battling in our commonwealth, many of them based elsewhere in the nation; heavy-hitters like the conservative Focus on the Family, which has already sent organizing letters to 4,000 selected clergy. In the name of god, religious persons will be preached at, dictated to, and cajoled regarding what is Biblical, and what is acceptable to the church, about marriage.

          Where does this brouhaha find Presbyterians? Well…

          I guess the most important thing is that it should find Presbyterians certain that God is still sovereign, working God's purpose out no matter what the short-term judicial and political outcome, a purpose ultimately beyond the limits of our vision.

          Having said that, it is necessary to underline our strong belief in the separation of church and state. While clergy act with legal authority when the officiate at marriages, the same clergy are subject to the standards of their religious denominations. Churches, and the ministers who serve them, will not be legally required to assent to marrying same-sex persons if their religious beliefs do not recognize such marriages. Our Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Order currently defines marriage as between one man and one woman (although ministers are not prohibited from taking part in some form of blessing a same-sex union - so long as it is not a marriage). Even if the commonwealth begins issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in six months, I may not conduct such a wedding, and the Session could not agree to provide its setting in our church, without being out of compliance with our denomination's constitution (this is not true of the United Church of Christ or the Unitarian-Universalists, for example).

          But Presbyterians are also Christians who take seriously the changing times around tem, and believe that god's word must be interpreted afresh to meet the needs of those times. The church's understandings of marriage have changed greatly over the centuries, from earlier Biblical concerns with procreation and wives as property of husbands. And how should we respond to our culture's vastly changed views of homosexuality? How about the fact that so many of us know gay people, in our families, or among our acquaintances, who live responsibly, and would like to have their relationships with their partners given full recognition and the blessings of their churches? Shall we continue to turn them away, even though congregations like ours declare that Our door is open… to God's children of every background and lifestyle? Although we know that Jesus affirmed God's ordaining of the marriage of men and women, must we interpret that as prohibiting the marriage of two persons of the same sex? And in these days when heterosexual marriage itself faces so many challenges, does the prospect of marriage between gays further threaten the institution, or offer an increase in stable relationships in society?

          I know that for some of you reading this, just the wording of these questions is profoundly troubling. Others welcome the SJC decision from equally profound depths of Christian faith. In the best Presbyterian fashion, we should be deeply respectful of one another.

          But one thing is undeniable, and that is that we are in the midst of a watershed time here in Massachusetts, and for the church, as a new year begins. Let's pray for the grace to allow God to lead us, and let's bring our minds and hearts to the task with love for one another, and for all God's children.

Happy New Year!

Rod