A Resolution to Encourage Respect for Marriages
Approved by the 205th Annual Meeting
of the Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ,
June 14, 2004.
WHEREAS Paul taught that “love is
patient and kind”1 and
Jesus summarized the whole and holy scriptures with the commandment
to love God and our neighbors as ourselves”2,
and
WHEREAS our United Church of Christ Statement
of Faith clearly affirms that it is God, as Holy Spirit, who
“binds in covenant faithful people” and promises
“courage in the struggle for justice and peace”3;
and
WHEREAS we in the United Church of Christ
believe that “the essence of marriage is a covenanted
commitment that has its foundation in the faithfulness of
God’s love”4; and
WHEREAS the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial
Court has recently affirmed that “marriage is a vital
social institution” and that “the exclusive commitment
of two individuals to each other nurtures love and mutual
support” and “brings stability to our society”5;
and
WHEREAS we are members of our local congregations
through our “covenanted relationship with Christ and
the members of the church”6;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 205th
Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Conference of the United
Church of Christ calls upon local churches and associations:
- To value and respect without prejudice or discrimination
marriages and families,
- To provide opportunities for the study and discussion
of the biblical and societal foundations of marriage and
the understanding and experience of marriage in our faith
tradition,
- To listen to each other as we share our deeply held convictions
about the importance of marriage,
- To study Jesus’ teachings,
- To pray for God’s guidance, and, above all,
- To bear witness to our covenant, respectfully aware of
our differences as well as our agreements, and always renewing
our commitment to journey together as a community of Christian
faith.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the 205th Annual
Meeting of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church
of Christ requests that the Board of Directors direct the
appropriate commission(s) to collect and/or develop a broad
range of resources on marriage (such as bible study and discussion
guides, video, book, and internet resource lists, legal information,
etc.) and make them available to both congregations and clergy
by the fall of 2004.
Funding for this action will be made in accordance with the
overall mandates of the Massachusetts Conference and the funds
available.
1 1 Corinthians 13:4
2 Luke 10:27
3 United Church of Christ Statement of Faith
4 UCC Book of Worship, “Order for Marriage,” p.
323
5 Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, Goodridge v. Department
of Public Health, November 18, 2003
6 New Century Hymnal, “Order for the Reception of Members,”
p. 44
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