As faithful United Methodists and Christians we seek to live out the Gospel and follow the way of Jesus, who extended God's inclusive love to all. Therefore, we are compelled to speak on the issue of same-sex marriage to our Annual Conference, denomination and the world. We affirm the importance of the United Methodist Book of Discipline for the ordering of our life together; it is with great seriousness that we take these actions that some consider in contradiction with parts of the Discipline.

Epworth United Methodist Church, a Reconciling Congregation,* applauds the acts of Mayor Gavin Newsom, the City of San Francisco, and others who have extended the right of marriage to same-sex couples.

We rejoice with those members of our congregation who married after previously being denied this right, and we publicly support the clergy in our midst who have performed and continue to perform weddings and holy unions for same-sex couples. We commit ourselves to stand with the Rev. Karen Oliveto and others who may face charges as a result of performing these ceremonies.

As an expression of our Christian faith and hospitality, we will continue to offer our facility and welcome those same-sex couples in our congregation and in the community who are seeking formal validation of their committed relationships. We encourage our pastors to claim the right and responsibility to perform weddings and holy unions for lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered couples as well as heterosexual couples, after the customary counsel with the parties involved.

It is clear that the Spirit of God is moving and as the church we cannot but follow.

Adopted May, 2004

*Reconciling Congregation is an identification for United Methodist Church congregations who, after a course of education and reflection, have declared their hearts, minds and doors open to all regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.