Which Christian Denominations will perform gay marriages (worldwide)? Which other religions do so?

Question

From the link provided by Lady Phoenix:

Reform Judaism ... permits rabbis to bless same-sex unions within their synagogues, though it does not use the words "wedding" or "marriage" in this context.

In Canada, the issue of same-sex marriage has split the religious community, with the United Church of Canada, the country's largest Protestant denomination, and some elements of the Anglican Church of Canada being supportive.

In 1987, British Quakers agreed that local groups could celebrate same-sex commitments...

In 2002, the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster in British Columbia ... began allowing its churches to bless same-sex unions in marriage-like ceremonies.

On July 4, 2005, the General Synod of the United Church of Christ approved a resolution affirming equal marriage rights regardless of gender.

(More Below)

Religious same-sex wedding ceremonies are already performed in Unitarian Universalist churches, some Reform and Reconstructionist Jewish synagogues, some Quaker congregations, ... and by the Metropolitan Community Church.

In Sweden the Lutheran church allows blessings of same-sex couples and also in the Netherlands and in Switzerland the reformed church allowed blessings of married same-sex couples. In Germany some Lutheran and reformed churches in the EKD permit their priests also blessings of same-sex couples.

Several Canadian religious groups joined in an interfaith coalition in support of equal marriage rights, and issued a joint statement: http://www.religious-coalition.org

Answer 1

Try this: it gives a list. I want to vomit.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status_of_same-sex_marriage

Answer 2

I know there is a Christian chuch in San Fran that is openly gay and accepts gay memebers. I am pretty sure that they live openly as homosexuals and have significant others. Also, from what I have heard, they do provide the religious cermonies for gay couples - regardless of what legal standing the marriage may have.

I am also aware of other more 'liberal' churches around the country that operate on the same foundation.

Mostly it is churches that believe that G-d doesn't make mistakes and that people are born homosexuals. Therefore it is not a sin to live the lifestyle.

I can tell you that both Judaism and Islam do not allow homosexuality or gay marriage. Period. Although I have heard that the reform temples in Judaism are starting to lean towards allowing it. Or at least accepting it.

Pagan religions generally accept homosexuals and will preform marriages. I can only think of a couple groups that wouldn't. Wicca, one of the more known groups here in America, will marry gay couples - again regardless whether or not the marriage has standing legally.

For other world religions I don't know. I know that some Asian and African religions it is seen as not natural and is not allowed.

Answer 3

Hello,

In Canada the United Church of Canada performs gay marriages. They were also the first to ordain gay ministers.
The United Church was founded in 1925 as a merger of four Christian denominations: the then-largest and second-largest Protestant denominations in Canada, the Presbyterian Church in Canada and the Methodist Church of Canada; the Congregational Union of Ontario and Quebec, a numerically less significant but historically important denomination of evangelical Protestantism; and the Association of Local Union Churches. The latter was a predominantly prairie-based movement pressing the older churches toward a larger national union once the Basis of Union (see below) had essentially been formulated, that began in Melville, Saskatchewan in 1908.

Also the Anglican Church of Canada was for blessing ceremonies for gay marriages but that got voted down last month _ for the time being. The issue hasn't left the drawing boards.

Most others starting with the RC condemn it and will never accept ot permit it.

Cheers,

Michael Kelly

Answer 4

Metropolitan Community Church:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolitan_Community_Church

Unitarian Universalists:

http://www.boston.com/news/specials/gay_marriage/articles/2004/05/10/unitarians_prepare_to_marry_gays/

Many ordained Witches and Wiccans, and I personally know of *some* clergy in the Mar Thoma church who do (and have - I've been a guest at one).

That's all that I personally know of. I hope to find out there are more, from other answers.


EDIT: Cool! I've bookmarked the Wikipedia article for future counseling for same-sex couples who want to get married, and don't want a Pagan wedding.

Answer 5

Most Episcopal churches, United Churches of Christ, and Metropolitan Community Churches all perform gay marriages. There are many non-denominational Christian churches that also perform gay marriages.

By the way, all these people saying that gay marriage is against the Bible and God - WRONG. There is not one place that forbids gay marriage. Leviticus and Romans only condemns men that lie with women (heterosexuals) who then leave their nature to be with men. That is bisexual activity - not homosexuality. A homosexual is not a heterosexual who sleeps with the same gender. Don't inflict your own person biases on the Bible.

-Rev. Jim Cunningham
GayChristianSurvivors.com

Answer 6

If both church and goverment are smart, they will have the courts perform the gay marriages.

Answer 7

Christian being the operative word here.

I would guess that the Episcopals would be the only one, IF they even do.

Unitarians would I bet.

Answer 8

I think only episcopalians in some US cities do this.

I am not aware of any other denomination, otherwise.

Answer 9

Ones that are only pretending to be Christian.

Answer 10

Dont know, but its not considered holy in the site of God, who invented the idea.
Man and woman.
Satan is trying to fix that of course.
The church that does this is plain mocking the constitution of marriage, while satan laughs.