Minute: Chatham-Summit Meeting on Sexual Orientation and Mariage

Minute on the Recognition and Celebration of Committed Relationships

Approved January 11, 2004
Summit Monthly Meeting
(now Chatham-Summit Meeting)

“Just as there is that of God in every person, there is that of God in every relationship that calls upon God.”

–New York Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice.

It is our direct experience that the gifts of the Spirit are bestowed without consideration of gender, race, age, disability or sexual orientation—that there is “that of God” in everyone.

It is also our direct experience that committed, loving and spiritual relationships that are enduring, unselfish, mutually tender and supportive are greatly beneficial to individuals, to our Meeting community, and to society as a whole.

Quakers have traditionally recognized and celebrated such committed relationships in a religious ceremony under the care of the Meeting, in which the couple solemnly commits to a lifelong relationship based on love and faithfulness and relying on God’s assistance.

This recognition and celebration is based on Friends’ experience that these relationships are the work of the Spirit to which we are simply witnesses, and not of human ordinance.

We therefore affirm that we will hold meetings for worship to recognize and celebrate such commitments under the care of the Meeting, for couples (at least one of whom is a member of the Meeting) irrespective of gender, race, age, disability or sexual orientation.

Requests for such celebrations of commitment or marriage will be considered individually in the manner of Friends (including a process for clearness) and according to the principles and procedures as set down from time to time in Faith and Practice, the Book of Discipline of the New York Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, as applicable.

The Meeting acknowledges, and will make clear to any couple seeking to be joined under the care of the Meeting, that certain spiritual relationships recognized by Friends may not be recognized by secular authorities.

“For the right joining in marriage is the work of the Lord only, and not the priests’ or magistrates’; for it is God’s ordinance and not man’s; and therefore Friends cannot consent that they should join them together; for we marry none; it is the Lord’s work, and we are but witnesses.” George Fox, 1669

Summit Monthly Meeting 11th day, First Month, 2004