Presbyterian Church backs gay ceremonies

BALTIMORE — In a major symbolic victory for pro-gay Christian groups, the highest court of the Presbyterian Church (USA) ruled May 24 that individual churches and presbyteries have the right to conduct same sex union ceremonies for gay couples, as long as the church does not equate such ceremonies with Christian marriage, in either a spiritual or a legal sense.

While the decision does not carry the weight of church law and largely maintains the church’s informal policy, the ruling nonetheless dramatically alters the dynamics of the debate as the church prepares for its annual meeting next month.