But together they were not welcome in the Presbyterian Church. My wife and I, naturally, shared many wonderful times with Carolyn and Lois during their many years together. When we ate together, either privately or publicly, I would always offer prayer, and in addition to giving thanks, I would ask God's blessing on them, and all their many friends. The celebration yesterday of Lois's life could not, as you would know, be in a Presbyterian Church. And should Amendment O be approved by the church, it would prohibit what I did yesterday.
Church officers are to take no part in conducting such a ceremony or event.
I did not conduct the memorial service yesterday, but I would have if asked. I did take part in the service, offering prayer, as I had done so many times when we had been happily with them. I thanked God for the gift of faith that had sustained each of them in life, and in the face of death. I thanked God for the wonder of love that brought them together in the first place, evidencing that for most of us it is not good, as God has said, that we should be alone. And I expressed deep gratitude for God's grace that sustained Lois and Carolyn throughout their many years together.