Thoughts on Marriage Equality

The Washington legislature has passed a bill providing marriage equality in the State of Washington, and Governor Chris Gregoire has signed it into law. Barring passage of a referendum to overturn the bill, Washington will become the seventh state in the United States to recognize marriages of same gender couples.

What does this mean for members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America? The ELCA already ordains gay pastors in committed same gender relationships, but the Social Statement on Human Sexuality still identifies marriage as involving one man and one woman. Will pastors in Washington be authorized to conduct marriage services for same gender couples? How will churches respond to this change of law? What does this shift in civil law mean for members of our congregations?

Please share your thoughts, observations, stories and other comments on this issue.