“The fullness of life includes…friendship and family, intellect and sexuality...” (A Song of Faith)
In the United Church, we see each person as a unique, loved creation of God and welcome all people to the full life of Christian community, including marriage. We believe God intends loving relationships to be faithful, responsible, just, healing, and sustaining of the couple and those around them, and that such relationships require preparation and nurture. The United Church celebrates the marriage of
- same-sex couples
- previously divorced people
- couples of different religions
- all people who believe in Jesus Christ and want to live faithful to his way
If you are considering marriage, please speak to your minister or contact a United Church near you. Congregations of the United Church are free to make their own marriage policies. This reflects the wisdom, which our denomination has followed since its founding in 1925, that some decisions are best made as a denomination—by General Council, the church’s governing body—and others are best made locally. Marriages (and worship services in general) are performed under the responsibility of the local congregation’s church council. This means that while General Council welcomes same-sex marriage, same-sex marriage is not offered in every United Church.
To find a congregation that is inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities, including in its marriage policy, please visit our Locator and choose “Affirming Ministries.”
Resources
- Passion and Freedom: A Resource for Ministers and Leaders: This resource covers all stages of heterosexual and same-sex life partnerships.
- Search “marriage” at UCRDstore for marriage services, certificates, and more