Love Is Still a Gift from God

Minutes ago, the General Assembly failed to pass the Civil Union and Marriage Committee's recommendation 13-04 by a vote of 48-52%. The Committee had recommended an amendment that would have expanded the characterization of marriage from a "man and a woman" to two persons and therefore recognize the love between faithful, committed same-gender couples. The Marriage Committee's work is not complete, there is still a possibility that an Authoritative Interpretation supporting pastoral discretion for ministers in states where same-sex marriage is level could be passed. While this is a disappointing moment with regard to a marriage equality amendment, we do not give up hope for other possibilities at this Assembly to support LGBT couples and their families. Love is still a gift from God.