Two years after becoming the first major denomination to support same-gender marriage equality, the UCC General Synod took no action on Tuesday, June 26, on a pair of resolutions meant to revisit, and in one case overturn, the action.<\/p>\n
In hearings prior to the decision, Ginger Brasher Cunningham of the Massachusetts Conference said a majority of her committee assigned to review the measures “could not affirm” the actions, saying the discussion among members was “hard and seasoned with mixed emotions” though all members were “faith filled and with generous hearts.”<\/p>\n
“A Reaffirmation of the Historic and Ecumenical Christian Perspective on Marriage” recalled the historical and ecumenical tradition which holds marriage as “a God-ordained relationship between one man and one woman.” It also asked that the UCC “reaffirm the ultimate authority of Scripture” and acknowledge the “error” when General Synod 25 stated “it is not possible to rely exclusively on scripture for understanding marriage today.”<\/p>\n
The resolution “A Reaffirmation of Marriage Based on the Word of God” asked the General Synod to reverse its action taken in Atlanta in 2005 when it endorsed equal marriage rights for all.<\/p>\n
In taking “no action,” Synod delegates declined to discuss the resolutions.<\/p>\n