Whereas, Community of Christ is an international faith community providing ministry to diverse cultures and ethnicities around the world; and

Whereas, Marriage customs, traditions, and legal requirements vary throughout the world; and

Whereas, Marriage is a sacred covenant between God and a couple seeking to make a lifelong commitment of mutual support, love, and faithfulness in which the church participates with sanction, blessing, support, and guidance; and

Whereas, Marriage is the only sacrament of the church where traditionally the laws of the land determine who may or may not receive it; and

Whereas, Same-gender couples who desire to make a binding covenant to each other with the church’s blessing are unable to do so; therefore, be it

Resolved, That this World Conference affirms the worth of long-term, monogamous relationships, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity; and be it further

Resolved, That this World Conference hereby authorizes Aaronic priests and members of the Melchisedec priesthood to officiate over the marriage of same-gender adult couples where such is allowed by law; and be it further

Resolved, That this World Conference hereby authorizes Aaronic priests and members of the Melchisedec priesthood to officiate over commitment ceremonies for same-gender adult couples in places where same-gender marriage is not currently allowed by law; and be it further

Resolved, That this World Conference hereby amends WCR 1182, removing gender as a criteria for determining who can participate in the sacrament of marriage; and be it further

Resolved, That this World Conference recognizes that Community of Christ leaders have the latitude to discern how and when to implement this resolution in nations where homosexuality is considered a crime or church members may face harm if found with materials discussing homosexual issues.