Gay marriage and whether it should be allowed in the church are undoubtedly at the top of modern-day controversial subjects. This issue has caused division among many denominations. The Presbyterian Church (USA) supports it, while the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and others do not support it, for example.
But perhaps nowhere is the controversy surrounding this issue more prevalent than in the Anglican Church. In recent years (and even months), the Anglican Church has softened its stance toward gay marriage and gay priests, but there is still much opposition. Some have called on the church to be more welcoming of LGBT individuals; some go so far as supporting gay clergy and granting them the right to perform same-sex marriages, while others remain firmly committed to the traditional definition of marriage.
The United Methodist Church is experiencing controversy over this issue. “Our denomination is in chaos,” said the Rev. Mike Slaughter, pastor emeritus of Ginghamsburg Church, a United Methodist congregation near Dayton, Ohio. “Our bishops don’t agree with each other. I hear fear. I hear denial. We’ve come to this place where we reflect on what’s going on in our national politics now. It’s a sad day.” The United Methodists wait to see how the denomination will move forward despite paralyzing disagreements over homosexuality.
President Biden signed legislation to safeguard marriage equality after Congress, for the first time in history, approved federal protections for same-sex marriage.
The Respect for Marriage Act passed the House in a 258-169-1 vote, with 39 Republicans joining all Democrats in supporting the measure. The Senate cleared the measure in a 61-38 vote; 12 GOP senators joined on to the bill once it included an amendment outlining some protections for religious beliefs.
Biden has championed the legislation, with the White House describing the Respect for Marriage Act as “personal” to him. He signed the legislation at a celebratory event at the White House with more than 2,000 attendees.
“The road for the moment has been long, but those who believe in equality and justice, you never gave up,” Biden said. “Many of you standing on the South Lawn here. So many of you put your relationships on the line, your jobs on the line, your lives on the line to fight for the law I’m about to sign.”