PRESBYTERIANS CLARIFY STANCE ON SAME-SEX UNIONS

The Presbyterian Church (USA) reaffirmed:

Marriage is defined as a covenant between one man and one woman (Book of Order W-4.9001).

It has never endorsed same-sex marriage.

But in 1996, it did urge support for civil rights for same-sex partners—equal to married couples in areas like inheritance, health care, and property.

The Office of the General Assembly emphasized: "The PC(USA) has demonstrated a historic commitment both to the sanctity of marriage and to human and civil rights for all persons."

Crucially, it noted:

Religious bodies retain full freedom to define marriage rites.

The U.S. Constitution already protects churches from being forced to perform any ceremony.

A federal marriage amendment is unnecessary—and harmful to civil liberties.