Marriage Policy – Greenbank United Church

a) Theology of Marriage We celebrate diversity and affirm that in the celebration of marriage, God blesses the union of two people. This union may take place between people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, racial identities, abilities, healths, social and economic circumstances, ethnicities, and faith beliefs.

We acknowledge that marriage is not to be idealized or idolized as an end in itself. We affirm that the marriage unity is a creation of God and is greater than the two individuals. It creates holy ground that needs to be nurtured and cherished. It is a unity based on mutual respect, accepting and nurturing the other for his or her unique gifts; putting the other before one’s own interests in a lifelong commitment that is spiritual, emotional and physical. We affirm that marriage from a Christian perspective is based on faithfulness expressed through…

• choosing each other above all others;
• risking and being vulnerable in the relationship;
• willing to put into the relationship the patience, understanding and work required to help it grow;