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 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.
