G-2 Priesthood Authorized to Officiate at Same-sex Marriages where Legal
Submitted by Canada East Mission Centre and the Arizona USA Mission Center
Whereas, WCR 386 identifies the First Presidency as the “leading interpreters and teachers of the laws and revelations of God”; and
Whereas, The sacrament of marriage symbolizes a sacred covenant between two people seeking to make a lifelong commitment of mutual support, love, and faithfulness to one another, and
Whereas, Some civil jurisdictions recognize same-sex marriages in their laws; and
Whereas, The church recognizes such same-sex marriages for its members in its records; and
Whereas, Wording within Doctrine and Covenants 111 referring to “husband and wife” can be interpreted as scriptural justification for prohibiting priesthood within the Community of Christ from officiating at the sacrament of marriage for same-sex couples; and
Whereas, The current practice within the church of prohibiting priesthood members from officiating at the sacrament of marriage for same-sex couples in those areas where it is legal to do so amounts to a prohibition of sacramental ministry on the basis of sexual orientation; therefore, be it
Resolved, It is an expression to the First Presidency of the faith and earnest desire of this conference that priesthood within Community of Christ be allowed to officiate at the sacrament of marriage for same-sex couples in those areas of the church where such marriages are legally recognized.