Whereas, Community of Christ is an international denomination providing ministry in diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds around the world; and

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

Whereas, Marriage is a legal contract (marriage license) between the couple and the government which imparts to both parties certain prescribed rights and duties that are generally enforceable in various states and nations of the world, such as property rights, inheritance, and kinship; and

Whereas, The Sacrament of Marriage is a sacred covenant between the couple and God in which the church participates with sanction, blessing, support, and guidance; and

Whereas, In some locations the minister can act as both an agent of the government as well as representing the church, while in other locations a separate civil government agent must also be involved; and

Whereas, The wording in Doctrine and Covenants Sections 17, 49, and 111, and WCR 1182 referring to “husband and wife” has been interpreted as justification for prohibiting priesthood within Community of Christ from officiating at the sacrament of marriage for same-sex couples; and

Whereas, The Sacrament of Marriage symbolizes a sacred covenant between two persons seeking to make a life-long commitment of mutual support, love, and faithfulness to one another; therefore, be it

Resolved, That it is the sense of this World Conference that in jurisdictions where such is authorized by laws that Community of Christ priesthood be permitted to perform the Sacrament of Marriage for all couples seeking to enter into a sacred covenant before God in a long-term monogamous committed relationship; and be it further

Resolved, That this World Conference authorize the First Presidency be authorized to make appropriate editorial changes to WCR 1182 and the Handbook for Church Administrators, page 59, paragraph 4, making them inclusive of same-sex couples as well as opposite-sex couples; and be it further

Resolved, That this World Conference request the First Presidency provide interpretive comment in the Handbook for Church Administrators that provides contextual material to help understand for Doctrine and Covenants sections 17, 49, and 111 in regard to the Sacrament of Marriage and this World Conference action.