Same sex marriage is now legal in 35 states. Public opinion polls reflect increasing support, especially among young adults. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has given greater latitude to congregations and pastors to sanction same sex wedding services. In this class we will consider same sex marriage from scriptural, experiential, and legal perspectives. The purpose of this class is not to advocate for or against same sex marriage, but to take an even-handed approach and help participants think through the issues involved, raise questions, and engage with each other in respectful discussion around this timely and sensitive issue as it relates to us as individuals and as a church.
Class Schedule
January 11 – What’s at Stake? An Introduction to the Issues
Leader: Steve Hancock, Pastor/Head of Staff
January 18 – The Bible and Marriage – Part 1
Leader: Dr. Robert (Bobby) Williamson, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, Hendrix College
January 25 – The Bible and Marriage – Part 2
Leader: Dr. Robert (Bobby) Williamson
February 1 – In Defense of Traditional Marriage
Leader: Dr. Don Weatherman, President and Professor of Political Science,
Lyon College
February 8 – Why Same Sex Marriage Is Important to Me
Leader: Dr. Jay Barth, Professor of Political Science, Hendrix College
February 15 – Legal Issues Regarding Same Sex Marriage
Leader: Annabelle Imber Tuck, Former Associate Justice, Arkansas Supreme Court
February 22 – Continuing the Conversation: Voicing Perspectives
Leader: Dr. Karen Akin, Associate Pastor