Board of Pensions approves benefits for same-gender partners
In response to the urging of the 219th GA (2010), the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (USA) voted to extend spousal and child benefits to same-gender domestic partners of Benefits Plan members.
Aren't They Lovely?
Jay McKell rejoices at the opportunity to celebrate love, commitment, and community.
On the GAPJC's Spahr (2012) Decision
The Covenant Network's Co-Moderators have commented on the GAPJC's decision in Janie Spahr's appeal.
From the Covenant Network Board
The Board of Directors of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians has issued the following statement concerning its purpose and mission:
SPJC Upholds Spahr Conviction for Performing Legal Same-Gender Marriages
The Permanent Judicial Commission of the Synod of the Pacific (SPJC) has upheld the conviction of the Rev. Jane Adams Spahr for performing marriages of same-gender couples during the period of 2008 when such marriages were legal in California.
Appeal of Jane Spahr Conviction Will Be Heard This Week
The Permanent Judicial Commission of the Synod of the Pacific (SPJC) will hear the Rev. Jane Spahr’s appeal of her conviction for performing 16 same-sex marriages in California during the period in 2008 when such marriages were legal, and “representing that [these] same sex ceremonies . . . were marriages of persons of the same sex.” The hearing will be held in Oakland, CA, on March 24.
California Clergyman Acquitted in Legal Civil Marriage Case
The Rev. Erwin Barron, a professor of ethics living in San Francisco, was acquitted by the PJC of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities of violating the Constitution by contracting a legal civil marriage in California during the brief period in 2008 when such unions were legally sanctioned.
GAPJC Finds Massachusetts Minister Not Guilty for Legally Marrying Two Women Parishioners
The General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission (GAPJC) ruled on February 8 that the Rev. Jean Southard “did not violate the Book of Order or her ordination vows” by presiding at the 2008 marriage of a same-gender couple – two active members of the Massachusetts congregation she then served.
Church, Politics, & Church Politics: The Future of LGBT Issues
Come to our Southwest Regional Conference at St. Mark Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, CA, March 4-6, for an engaging and provocative weekend about LGBT issues in church and politics, and about our hope for the future. Rev. Dr. Mel White is the plenary speaker, and Covenant Network Co-Moderator Mary Lynn Tobin preaches at the opening worship.
The Christian Case for Gay Marriage
Dr. David Myers, in his plenary address at the recent CovNet Conference, affirms that "family values, a priority on covenant relationships, a celebration of marriage, a high view of Scripture: all these can co-exist with full and equal participation of gay and lesbian people in the life and the culture in the church."The complete address can be read here, including slides from Dr. Myers' powerpoint presentation.
Appeal of Prop 8 - Remarks at pre-trial rally
Byers to Prop 8 repeal rally: “My congregation and many, many of my clergy colleagues want the freedom to marry the couples we believe God has called together to make covenants of faithfulness to one another. . . . Overturning Prop 8 gives religious liberty to all congregations and clergy, rather than privileging one group over another.
Redwoods PJC Decision “Rebuking” Janie Spahr for Performing Legal Same-gender Marriages (but read it all!)
Even while “rebuking” Jane Spahr for disregarding an earlier PJC ruling by performing legal marriages of same-gender couples, the Redwoods PJC in a ruling released on Friday commended her prophetic ministry and witness, and urged higher governing bodies of the church to address the very difficult pastoral situation of clergy asked to officiate at legal marriages of their own same-gender parishioners.
Presbytery Court Tries Jane Spahr for Performing Same-Gender Marriages
The Rev. Jane Adams (Janie) Spahr is being tried this week before the Presbytery of the Redwoods PJC for marrying 16 same-gender couples during the period in 2008 when such marriages were legally recognized in California.
New poll finds growing support for same-gender marriage in California – including among Christians
As Federal Judge Vaughn Walker ruled last week that California’s Proposition 8 is unconstitutional, a new poll finds that a similar measure would not pass now. In the controversial 2008 vote, 52% of Californians voted to ban same-gender marriage. But 51% of Californians would now vote to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry.
Covenant Network Board celebrates progress at the 219th G.A.
The Covenant Network of Presbyterians is grateful that the 219th General Assembly voted to continue the progress made by the last two General Assemblies toward a more gracious and welcoming church. The General Assembly voted to send to the presbyteries an amendment setting higher ordination standards that do not arbitrarily exclude a whole class of church members.
Goals for the 219th General Assembly
The Covenant Network Board of Directors has issued a statement articulating its top priorities at the 219th General Assembly (2010).
Marriage and Covenant
Some reflections on the minority report submitted by three members of the Special Committee to Study Issues of Civil Union and Christian Marriage.
Family Values and “Complementarity”
The minority report of the Special Committee to Study Issues of Civil Union and Christian Marriage cites a theory of “complementarity” to substantiate its conclusions and recommendations. Janet Fishburn, Professor Emerita of the Theological School at Drew University, clarifies for us the origins and meaning of the term.