Church votes to change constitution to include same sex marriage

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) – In a vote many people consider to be historic, the Louisville based Presbyterian Church U.S.A. officially changed the definition of marriage in the church's constitution to include same sex marriage.

A vote by the Palisades Presbytery to approve the amendment to the PC(USA)'s Book of Order came during a meeting Tuesday evening, according to a press release from the Presbyterian News Service.

The new language will go into effect on June 21, 2015 and reads:

Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the wellbeing of the entire human family. Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman, to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. The sacrificial love that unites the couple sustains them as faithful and responsible members of the church and the wider community.

Palisades Presbytery is the 86th Presbytery to vote in favor of the change. Ministers who object will not be required to perform a same-sex marriage.

To learn more about the amendment and to see a break-down of the votes, click here.

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