Polity Reflection notes reflect the advice of the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly and the Constitutional Services Department of the Office of the General Assembly, but do not constitute rulings or authoritative interpretations. The first thing which must be said is that the definition of Christian marriage in W-4.9001 remains as the first word about committed relationships. It would not have been changed if Amendment O had been adopted, nor is it changed by the defeat of the proposed language.
Marriage is a civil contract between a woman and a man.
For Christians marriage is a covenant through which a man and a woman are called to live out together before God their lives of discipleship. In a service of Christian marriage a lifelong commitment is made by a woman and a man to each other, publicly witnessed and acknowledged by the community of faith. There are other provisions in the Directory for Worship which clearly indicate that the marriage liturgy is designed for a celebration of a new reality as the woman and the man are joined in marriage. The church also is concerned about those for whom marriage is not an appropriate expression of their Christian discipleship. So for those for whom singleness is a matter of personal commitment or a reality to be accepted, the church is committed to their pastoral care and to guidance in their discipleship.