Country’s largest Presbyterian denomination allows same-sex marriage

After decades of debate, the country’s largest Presbyterian denomination has changed its definition of marriage to include gay couples

But that doesn’t mean every Presbyterian church in Colorado Springs supports same-sex marriage.

The critical 86th “yes” vote came in Tuesday from Presbyterian leaders, officially changing the definition of marriage within the church.

“There are probably some pastors rewriting sermons on the decision that was made last night,” said Tom
Trinidad, a pastor at Faith Presbyterian in Colorado Springs.

“What the church teaches about marriage is so beautiful and compelling, it seems if we have couples that want to enter into that blessed state, then the church should be the last place to be resistant to that,” said Trinidad.

The pastor said the decision allows him to officiate same-sex weddings, but it doesn’t that mean he has to.

“My conscience is clear to officiate same-sex weddings. I’ve got parents of gays in my congregation I very frequently have gay and lesbian folks that come and visit,” said Trinidad.

But not everyone is happy with the idea.

“Some will leave their church over this. They will abandon a congregation that they’ve been a part of for many years. It’s very sad, It breaks every pastor’s heart,” said Trinidad.

Trinidad said the change doesn’t reach all Presbyterian churches. It affects the PC USA denominations.

“It will confuse folks with regard to the First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs, because they have Presbyterian in the name. They used to be part of USA, but they broke off and started their own congregation. With the creation of a new denomination, that line has been drawn on a national scale,” said Trinidad.

The change will officially take effect on June 21.

The denomination has nearly 1.8 million members and about 10,000 congregations.