Gay marriage separation of church and state orthodox views

In recent years, same-sex marriage has been a contentious subject within many religious groups in the U. Here is an overview of where 16 religious groups stand on this issue. There is no universal Buddhist position on same-sex marriage. However, some Buddhists interpret the term to include homosexuality.

In Julythe General Convention of the Episcopal Church approved a liturgy for blessing same-sex relationships. The new liturgy, which will take effect in Decemberfalls short of a marriage rite. The ritual for same-sex couples will not be mandatory. Each Episcopal bishop will decide whether to allow churches in his or her jurisdiction to use the new liturgy to bless same-sex unions.

And in those dioceses where blessing same-sex relationships is permissible, no Episcopal priest will be required to perform the blessing ceremony. At the same assembly, the church also adopted a social statement on human sexuality that supports a wide variety of families, including those headed by same-gender couples.

There is no official Hindu position on same-sex marriage. Some Hindus condemn the practice of homosexuality, but others cite ancient Hindu texts, such as the Kama Sutra, that seem to condone homosexual behavior. Islamic law forbids homosexuality, and the practice of homosexuality is a crime in many Islamic countries, including Iran and Saudi Arabia.

The Reform and Reconstructionist Jewish movements have supported gay and lesbian rights, including same-sex marriage, since the mids. In Junethe Conservative Jewish movement approved a ceremony to allow same-sex couples to marry. All three movements also allow individual rabbis to choose not to officiate at the weddings of gay and lesbian couples.

Orthodox Judaism does not accept same-sex marriage, and its highest governing body, the Orthodox Union, has lobbied against gay marriage nationally and in various states. Inthe National Association of Evangelicals reaffirmed its resolution that homosexuality is not sanctioned by the Bible.

Thus the group does not support gay marriage or civil unions. The Presbyterian Church U. Additionally, inthe General Assembly urged state legislatures to give individuals in same-gender relationships the right to be joined in civil unions. Inthe Southern Baptist Convention issued a statement reaffirming its opposition to gay marriage.

Inthe Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations passed a resolution in support of same-sex marriage.

Religious Groups’ Official Positions on Same-Sex Marriage

Given the autonomous nature of United Church of Christ churches, each congregation may adopt or reject the recommendations of the General Synod. Thus, the denomination does not sanction UMC ministers or UMC churches to conduct civil union ceremonies, despite appeals from some regional congregations and clergy that it do so.

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