Presbytery Court Tries Jane Spahr for Performing Same-Gender Marriages

The Rev. Jane Adams (Janie) Spahr is being tried this week for marrying 16 same-gender couples during the period in 2008 when such marriages were legally recognized in California. The hearing before the Presbytery of the Redwoods PJC will take place beginning Tuesday, August 24, and is likely to last three days.  The open hearing is at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1226 Salvador Ave, in Napa, CA.  She is represented by Scott Clark, a candidate for ministry, and the Rev. Beverly Brewster (both trial lawyers earlier in their careers).Those who wish to follow the trial can do so at

Sites.google.com/site/revjaniespahr

Face book: “Rev. Janie Spahr Charged by Presbyterian Church”

or Twitter: @RevJaneSpahr

Janie, who retired in 2007 as Minister Director of That All May Freely Serve, a ministry of witness and outreach to the GLBT community that she founded, has been an outspoken advocate for full inclusion of all in Christ’s church.  Of her decision to marry couples – whom she routinely counsels for at least a year, and most of whom have been together for many years – she says,“To turn my back on the love and lifelong commitments of these wonderful couples would have gone against my faith, the ministry where I was called, and most of all, against God’s amazing hospitality and welcome where love and justice meet together.”