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July/August, 2004
It was obvious that strife was anticipated over the same-gender marriage resolution given the delegates' diverse feelings and theological perspectives regarding the subject. The issue touched all the venues hearing halls, the front lawn of Woolley Hall, the dining rooms, and finally, the plenary hall, where those gathered listened and then voted upon the resolution.
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"We can tug at each other and pull in different directions without splitting." |
Minister and President Nancy Taylor addressed these concerns with a confident appeal citing the fact that some UCC churches and Associations have been ordaining openly gay and lesbian clergy for over three decades. During the same timeframe, other churches and Associations determined they will not move in that direction.
"The ordination of gays and lesbians, and same gender marriage are not ruining our church. The UCC will not split because, while we are not of the same mind, our polity is uniquely elastic and supple. It allows for striking, even passionate, differences of belief and practice to co-exist, side-by-side in this one family of Christians.
"Today and in the days to come," she proclaimed, "we have a unique opportunity and challenge to cherish and claim the calling of this united and uniting church."
The debate itself was not as hot in the hearing room as
anticipated. Most concerns cited lack of study and improper
wording of the resolution, as opposed to the issue itself.
There was little passion in the arguments, with the exceptions
of the first "Against" speaker who had to be cut
off for the length of time of her point, rather than the
content itself. There were also tearful deliveries from parents
of same-gender lifetime partners and a delegate from Marlboro
who found that the whole idea of a church having to claim
to be open and affirming was appalling. "It should be
automatic," she pronounced.
Later, one minister from Beverly explained that he strived to be obedient to
Jesus Christ and he was not convinced the scripture supported the issue. Another
was concerned that pastors would find themselves forced to do something they
did not believe in. "I abhor this resolution," insisted Bill Boylan
(Pastor of Byfield UCC, Georgetown). "Scripture abhors it and if I am
put into that predicament, there is no peace."
On the plenary floor, with less than seven minutes left of the allotted time for the question, a motion was made and seconded to call the question. The resolution was passed by a clear majority.
When the resolution was carried, there was little evident reaction. Out of respect for those dissenting, there was no applause when the resolution was carried.