The Presbytery of the Hudson River, a group of ministers and lay members from 96 churches in seven New York counties, voted to allow the blessing of same-sex unions by a margin of 107 to 35.
Presbyterian ministers in the area are now sanctioned to perform “holy unions” for gay and lesbian couples. These ceremonies will not constitute marriage, but do officially mark the spiritual commitment of partners to each other.
The Presbyterian Church’s national office will determine whether or not the Presbytery of the Hudson River’s vote conforms to church law.
