c. 2008 Religion News Service

(UNDATED) 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. It is in this spirit of reconciliation and reform that I work to reconcile my church with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender faithful who have been shunned by our faith community, even as their lives testify to their love for God and neighbor.

As the Presbyterian Church (USA) meets this week in San Jose, Calif., it will consider a resolution that could, if approved by the General Assembly, lead to every member of our community receiving the full recognition, support and pastoral care of the church. This proposal, which would give every couple in a loving, committed partnership the opportunity to marry, is the next step in the Presbyterian tradition of reform.

Almost 30 years ago, our church declared that lesbians and gay men “are encompassed by the searching love of Christ” and “must be treated with the profound respect and pastoral tenderness due all people of God.” For us today, that commitment must include the celebration of loving partnerships whose qualities we would all easily recognize as marriage.

Our constitution, the Book of Order, also instructs the church to “give full expression to the rich diversity within its membership.” Marriage between two women or two men is consistent with this call to inclusiveness, diversity and openness within the church. It’s a decree rooted in the essential message of love proclaimed by Jesus.

Marriage between two men or two women can have all of the characteristics of marriage envisioned in Scripture, which mirror God’s relationship with us: fidelity, love, progeny, family, community, companionship and mutual support.

By that same token, we must give the same recognition, honor and support to every couple who shows a sincere, loving commitment to God and to one another. Wedding ceremonies are how we, as a church, give that support. Indeed, weddings are deeply spiritual affairs, affirming the love between two people before God and solidifying their commitment to one another in this life.

I spent many months in prayer before concluding that it falls within our tradition of reform to extend the blessings of marriage to all couples who show deep love and commitment for one another within the context of their faith in God. At the same time, I recognize there are Christians of deep faith and goodwill who disagree on this matter.

Yes, the path of transformation and reform can be a challenging road to travel. But I have faith that, through respectful dialogue and prayer, we can find a way to truly open our hearts and our doors to our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters.

This struggle is not unique to Presbyterians. Other Christian communities are wrestling with the same questions of faith, inclusion and love. As devout Christians seek reconciliation with one another, we must look to Scripture for guidance. I find wisdom in the words of Matthew: “If you are offering your gift at the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”

While I know these conversations will not be easy, I remain hopeful because my Presbyterian tradition teaches me that it is most often through mutual dialogue and struggle that something more beautiful and more pleasing to God can be born.

I am called to seek dialogue and reconciliation with those who disagree with the conviction that two men or two women can be married in the eyes of God. I have faith that, together, we can find a way to fully welcome all God’s children _ including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people _ into our spiritual community.

(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.)

KRE/RB END EDWARDS

A photo of Janet Edwards is available via https://religionnews.com.