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Rules Trump Conscience
Abstract: Presbyterian Judicial Commission finds offense in case of pastor who performed marriages for lesbian couples.
The Synod of the Pacific Permanent Judicial Commission (Presbyterian Church USA) has ruled that lesbian evangelist emerita Rev. Dr. Jane Adams Spahr committed an offense when she performed the marriages of two lesbian couples in 2004.
The ruling overturns a lower church body's ruling last year that Rev. Spahr had not violated church rules because there was latitude for ministers to rely on their conscience.
The new ruling declared in part: "Regardless of the expression of conscience by the Rev. Dr. Spahr, she may not circumvent the standards of the church." Read the Permanent Judicial Commission's decision.
The decision does not affect Rev. Spahr's ordination, but could lead to further discipinary measures if she continues to perform wedding ceremonies for same sex couples.
Commenting on the decision, Rev. Spahr said, "I am deeply saddened that our church has chosen not to recognize the loving relationships of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender members of its own family. It continues to be my honor as a minister to perform marriages for loving, committed couples, no matter what their sexual orientation."
