As a Presbyterian, I belong to a Christian tradition of reform in which change is both possible and necessary. As part of our “Always Reformed, Always Reforming” tradition, it is our gift and our challenge to continually strive to understand the Word of God anew as each generation seeks to know and serve God. I am also called to the ministry of reconciliation that Jesus entrusted to us, which is why I work to reconcile my church with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender faithful. As the Presbyterian Church (USA) meets this week in San Jose, Calif., it will consider a resolution that would give every couple in a loving, committed partnership the opportunity to marry. It’s the next step in our Presbyterian tradition of reform.

(The Rev. Janet Edwards is the parish associate at the Community of Reconciliation in Pittsburgh, Pa. She is currently facing a second round of charges in church courts for officiating at a wedding for two women in 2005.)