Presbyterian Church Redefines Marriage Amendment To Include Gay Couples, Decision Raises Concerns About Possibility Of Church’s Demise

The Presbyterian Church (USA) is reportedly seven votes away from changing its definition of marriage to include gay couples. As previously reported by the Inquisitr, the Presbyterian Church legalized gay marriage as a Christian union at its general assembly in June of last year. Now, the Christian Post reports the ground-breaking change to Amendment 14-F in the Presbyterian Book of Orders would allow pastors to preside over ceremonies for same-sex unions in states where gay marriage has been legalized.

On Saturday, March 7, the Presbyterian regional bodies voted 61-56 in favor of the change to the Book of Orders amendment. Of course, the controversial decision has been met with opposition. As a matter of fact, some feel the decision will only accelerate the church’s demise. According to Charisma News, Presbyterian statistics show how membership has declined over the past couple years. In 2013, the church lost approximately 89,296 members and more than 100,000 members in 2012. Based on the losses reported and the church’s current membership of 1,760,200, it has been projected that the church would cease to exist in 20 years at the rate it’s going.

Mark Tooley, President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy, recently shared his perspective on the controversial decision and how it will affect the church over an extended period of time. He shared reasons why he feels the decision could be viewed as a form of hypocrisy and an example of conformity. He also argued that the church supporting practices normally accepted in the secular world lowers the level of respect for biblical practices if they can be altered to accommodate the mass majority.

“By overturning natural marriage the PCUSA is only accelerating its already fast-paced demise. It will become even smaller, whiter and older. Only declining denominations reject historic Christian standards and in nearly every case that rejection reinforces the decline. Only declining denominations reject historic Christian standards and in nearly every case that rejection reinforces the decline. Who respects a church that only echoes the secular world? Many faithful have already quit the PCUSA and many more now will. But some faithful will remain. May the Holy Spirit bless their witness and lay the groundwork for the PCUSA’s return some day to the teachings of the global church.”

The decision has sparked quite a debate via social media. While most readers strongly agree with Tooley’s opinion, others commend the church for promoting love instead of casting judgment. Here are some of the comments from the heated debate about the controversial topic via the Blaze.

“Marriage is between a man and a woman. (period)”

“These churches need to go back and actually read the Bible they preach from…”

“I’m Presbyterian, and these changes are disgusting. My church is up at arms. We can’t believe that Presbyterian USA have given themselves to Satan. It’s especially hard thinking about leaving because we have long time friends, that are now family, in that church. Not everyone can pick up and move like we would all like to.”

“Let’s be clear about what you’re saying here. That actually recognizing gay people as human beings and treating them equally is evil. There’s something evil here alright, but it’s not that.”

“Accepting them as flawed human beings, as we all are, is not evil… But telling them that you accept their sin and its okay with you and God is. Would you accept an adulterer, murder, or thief into your home and tell them its okay to continue in what they are doing as long as they say they love you? God is no different… He accepts us all as his imperfect children but tells us that we must not sin… He doesn’t abandon us if we do and gave us the ultimate way to be forgiven through his son but will never tell us it is okay to continue to sin with his blessing… When a church accepts sin as okay in God’s name they are turning their backs to him.”

“I’m not going to argue with you because to do so, I’d have to agree with your premise that homosexuality is moral behavior. It is not, and in the eyes of God it is not. I’m not persecuting them anymore than they are persecuting Christians just for having a difference of opinion. The only evil I see here is your distortion of the truth. Have a blessed day.”

What do you think about the Presbyterian Church’s decision to redefine its marriage amendment to include gay couples? Share your thoughts.

[Photo by Eli Meir Kaplan/Getty Images]