UCC Chaplains Free to Marry Any Couple They Choose -- Same-Sex or Otherwise!

The Department of Defense recently began offering equal benefits to married gay and lesbian couples -- same as married heterosexual couples. Before, they were kind of limited depending on which state the couple lived in. It was confusing. But then the US Supreme Court ruled Section 3 of DOMA unconstitutional and the DOD decided to open everything up.

As a result of these changes, the DOD asked each denomination to clarify the guidelines for their military chaplains. Will they or will they not allow them to participate in same-sex marriage ceremonies for same-sex military couples?

The United Church of Christ responded and they responded with a resounding YES -- as long as the individual chaplain is okay with that:

If a member of the United States military wants to marry the person they love, regardless of their gender, United Church of Christ military chaplains can now decide to wed them. There are dozens of military chaplains endorsed by the UCC who represent the church with dignity and respect for all service personnel, regardless of their sexual orientation. The denomination expects that UCC chaplains will continue that same affirmation now that the federal government is recognizing same-gender marriages among those who serve their country...

(UCC minister for chaplains and specialized ministers, Rev. Stephen) Boyd explained that Department of Defense policy protects military chaplains from performing any religious duty they may not feel comfortable. Similarly, chaplains cannot be ordered to perform a service they are theologically uncomfortable performing, but chaplains are still obligated to assist military personnel in finding someone who can provide that service.

The UCC's national office and synod long ago came out in support of LGBT membership, ministry, marriage, and general equality. But individual churches are not bound by those decisions. As a result, there are UCC churches, leaders, and members who are very clearly anti-gay -- or at least strongly unsure. I worked as a UCC church secretary for a couple years back when marriage equality came to Iowa. We received referrals from several other UCC churches who were seeking gay-affirming churches who would marry same-sex couples because they wouldn't.

My point is that the military isn't -- and shouldn't be -- any different. I strongly suspect that there will be UCC chaplains who will opt out of services for same-sex couples. But it's good to know that the denomination has reiterated its support for America's LGBT troops and their families.

There are roughly 100 governments-endorsed UCC chaplains right now with slightly under half serving in the U.S. military.