PC(USA) faces internal pushback on clergy monogamy proposal

The Presbyterian Church (USA) will weigh a proposal at its general assembly this summer to require its ordained clergy who are sexually active to live only in one-partner relationships. The overture received backlash from three official church committees in the denomination. A polyamorous-affirming PC(USA) advocacy group also protested the proposal. The denomination, which is known for allowing the ordination of openly LGBTQ clergy, will vote on the proposed policy at its biannual meeting held on June 22-July 2 in Milwaukee, Wis. Religion News Service first reported on the proposal on Thursday. The mainline, progressive PC (USA) is separate from a variety of Presbyterian denominations in America.

What does the proposal say? It said that pastors should only participate in monogamous sexual relationships. The proposal, sponsored by a New Mexico Presbytery of Sierra Blanca, argued that the practice of polygamy can create “power imbalances, emotional harm, and spiritual confusion, particularly for women, children, and historically marginalized persons.” The proposal also asked the denomination to develop pastoral resources to help individuals leaving polygamous relationships.

What pushback has the proposal received?

• The Advocacy Committee for Women and Gender Justice argued the proposal would reinforce systems of shame, silence, and spiritual coercion.

• The Advocacy Committee on LGBTQIA+ Equity contended that the potential policy reinforced white privilege and imposed a narrow understanding of family. Additionally, the committee defended polyamorous relationships as being healthy.

• The Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy also disapproved the proposal. Instead, the committee submitted another proposal urging the denomination to study gender and sexuality. This proposal would ensure that the PC(USA) would be “no longer defined by binaries or heteronormativity,” the committee said.

• The LGBTQ-affirming advocacy group, More Light Presbyterians, said in a statement last month that the proposal was a step backward. The group added that it recently hosted a training session on the “good fruit” of polyamorous relationships.

Dig deeper: Read Elizabeth Moeller’s report on a PC(USA) constitutional amendment that lists gender identity and sexual orientation as protected classes.