Religious Groups' Official Positions on Same-Sex Marriage
April 1, 2008 (Revised May 20, 2008)
American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A.
In 1992, the church’s governing body, the General Board, declared that “homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.” In 2006, however, American Baptist churches in California, Hawaii, Nevada and Arizona broke with the national church in reaction to the General Board’s failure to penalize churches that welcomed openly gay members.
- American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A., “Resolution on Homosexuality”
- Baptist Press, “Cooperative Baptist Fellowship will meet with troubled ABC (USA) in 2007”
- Baptist Press, “Split among American Baptists over homosexuality is final”
Buddhism
Because of the ambiguous language toward homosexuality found in Buddhist teachings, there is no official Buddhist position on the issue of same-sex marriage. Although some Buddhists advocate tolerance of different lifestyles, some countries with large Buddhist populations, such as Thailand and Cambodia, disapprove of homosexuality and have not legalized gay marriage.
Catholicism
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops opposes gay marriage on the ground that “marriage is a faithful, exclusive and lifelong union between one man and one woman.” In 2003, the conference’s Administrative Committee stated that “what are called ‘homosexual unions’ [cannot be given the status of marriage] because they do not express full human complementarity and because they are inherently nonprocreative.”
- U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Administrative Committee Calls for Protection of Marriage”
- The Vatican, “Considerations Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to Unions Between Homosexual Persons”
Episcopal Church
Although the Episcopal Church has not explicitly established a position in favor of gay marriage, in 2006 the church stated its “support of gay and lesbian persons and [opposition to] any state or federal constitutional amendment that prohibits same-sex marriages or unions.” The 2003 ordination of Gene Robinson, the church’s first openly gay bishop, has caused some more conservative Episcopal churches to split from the national body.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The church’s legislative body, the Churchwide Assembly, is expected to present its official position on the ordination of openly gay ministers and same-sex marriage in 2009 after the completion of a study on the issues. Currently, however, the Task Force for the Evangelical Church in America Studies on Sexuality defines marriage as a “lifelong and committed relationship between a man and a woman.”
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, “ ‘Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality’ Now Available”
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, “Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality”
Hinduism
Because of the differing interpretations of Hindu teachings, there is no official Hindu position on the issue of same-sex marriage. Depending on cultural attitudes toward homosexuality, some Hindus may choose to refrain from homosexual acts, while others may choose to follow the Kama Sutra, an ancient Hindu text that allows for homosexual behavior.
Islam
Islamic law explicitly denounces homosexuality; same-sex marriage is prohibited in all Muslim countries, the only disagreement being the severity of punishment for what are termed “sinful and perverted acts.”
Judaism
Both the Reform and Reconstructionist movements support gay and lesbian rights, including the right of same-sex couples to wed. The Conservative movement does not sanctify gay marriage but does grant rabbis the autonomy to choose whether or not to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies. Leaders in Orthodox Judaism have defined marriage as an institution between man and woman and therefore do not allow for same-sex marriage.
- Rabbinical Assembly, “Committee on Jewish Law and Standards Concludes Meeting on Issue of Homosexuality and Halakha”
- Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, “Resolution in Support of Civil Marriage for Same-Sex Couples”
- Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, “Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Equal Rights: Position of the Reform Jewish Movement”
- Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations, “OU restates its support for federal marriage protection amendment”
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
In 2006, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod reaffirmed its position that same-sex marriage is “contrary to the will of the Creator.”
Mormonism
Mormon theology mandates that “marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God.” As a result, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not endorse same-sex marriage.
National Association of Evangelicals
In 2004, the National Association of Evangelicals reaffirmed its 1985 resolution that homosexuality is not sanctioned by the Bible. Thus the group does not support gay marriage or civil unions.
National Council of Churches
Because of the diverse theological teachings among its member churches, the National Council of Churches has no official position on same-sex marriage.
- Correspondence with representative from the National Council of Churches
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Although the church’s governing body, the General Assembly, has not explicitly addressed the issue of gay marriage, it issued a ruling in 1997 prohibiting the ordination of homosexuals. Regional synods and clergy, however, have challenged this ruling, causing a major rift among Presbyterians.
- Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), “Presbyterian 101: Homosexuality”
- CNN, “Presbyterians put gay ‘marriage’ policy on trial”
Southern Baptist Convention
In 2003, the Southern Baptist Convention issued a statement confirming its opposition to gay marriage. It called on “Southern Baptists not only to stand against same-sex unions but to demonstrate our love for those practicing homosexuality by sharing with them the forgiving and transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).”
Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations
In 1996, the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations passed a resolution in support of same-sex marriage.
United Church of Christ
In 2005, the General Synod of the United Church of Christ voted to legally recognize and advocate in favor of same-sex marriage.
United Methodist Church
In 2004 the church's top policymaking body, the General Conference, reaffirmed that marriage is between a man and a woman. The church does not sanction civil unions.
- United Methodist Church, Leader Resources, “What is the denomination’s position on homosexuality?”
- The New York Times, “Civil Union Dispute Pits Methodist Retreat Against Gays Who Aided in Its Rebirth”
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