Myers Park Presbyterian votes to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies

Same-sex marriage ceremonies will be allowed at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, a majority of the church session voted Monday night.

“We know that the approved change will be a cause of celebration for some and a matter of concern for others,” Interim Pastor Pete Peery and Clerk of Session Vicki Garrett said in an email to members of the congregation Monday night.

“We agree with the moderator and vice moderator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), who have said that the end of voting should not mark the end of our earnest work to live together in community,” Peery and Garrett wrote.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) passed an amendment to the church’s constitution this year with language that’s “permissive rather than mandatory,” meaning a pastor may marry a couple according to his or her judgment, but isn’t required to.

“For some time, our constitution has already included a provision for pastoral discretion so that pastors may elect not to conduct any wedding ceremony, same gender or different gender, if there is concern about the couple’s commitment, understanding and maturity,” Peery and Garrett wrote.

This story was originally published September 29, 2015 at 11:30 AM with the headline "Myers Park Presbyterian votes to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies."