Same-sex marriage

Same-sex marriage is marriage between individuals who are of the same legal or biological sex. It is also called same-gender marriage, gay marriage, marriage equality (favored by proponents, along with just marriage), and homosexual marriage (sometimes favored by opponents). These terms are considered variously ambiguous, confusing, inappropriate, controversial, offensive, or loaded, depending on the audience.

Current status of same-sex religious marriage

Most major religions disapprove of (and, therefore, don't bless or endorse in any way) same-sex marriages. In this section, only the exceptions are listed.

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In Canada, the issue of same-sex marriage has split the religious community, with the United Church of Canada, the country's largest Protestant denomination, and some elements of the Anglican Church of Canada being supportive. However, the Roman Catholic leadership and the most conservative denominations are in opposition. Curiously, a majority of Roman Catholic lay people do support same-sex marriage.

Related Topics:
Canada - United Church of Canada - Protestant - Anglican Church of Canada - Roman Catholic

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In 2002, the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster in British Columbia (which includes Greater Vancouver) began allowing its churches to bless same-sex unions in marriage-like ceremonies. In response, bishops from Africa, Asia and Latin America, representing more than one-third of Anglican Communion members worldwide, cut their relations with the diocese.

Related Topics:
2002 - Anglican - Diocese of New Westminster - British Columbia - Greater Vancouver - Bless same-sex unions - Anglican Communion

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Reform Judaism, the largest branch of Judaism outside Israel, allows religious weddings for same-sex couples within their synagogues, provided they are both adherents of the Jewish faith.

Related Topics:
Reform Judaism - Judaism

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On July 4, 2005, the General Synod of the United Church of Christ approved a resolution affirming equal marriage rights regardless of gender. The leadership of this denomination made claims like "the 1.3 million member UCC became the largest Christian denomination to approve marriage equality", despite the Synod's lack of authority to speak for the denomination's largely autonomous congregations. The specifics of the resolution did not change any church's religious marriage policies, but advocated for civil marriage equality. In keeping with the polity of that denomination, doctrinal matters like wedding policies remain under the authority of each local congregation.

Related Topics:
July 4 - 2005 - United Church of Christ

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Religious same-sex wedding ceremonies are already performed in Unitarian Universalist churches, some Reform synagogues, some Quaker congregations (mostly associated with unprogrammed meetings; see the main article), and by the Metropolitan Community Church.

Related Topics:
Unitarian Universalist - Synagogues - Quaker - The main article - Metropolitan Community Church

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