The Presbyterian Church (USA) faces important decisions at its upcoming General Assembly as a proposal aiming for ordained clergy to adhere to monogamy is under consideration. The overture, known as CON-10, has sparked significant debate online but lacks widespread endorsement from PCUSA groups.
Another proposal advocates theological studies on various subjects such as gender and sexuality, life-giving relationships, and the Christian vocation of family to reinforce the denomination’s dedication to acknowledging diverse family structures. These proposals indicate potential policy implications in line with increasing visibility of polyamory in broader culture, particularly in theologically progressive Christian denominations.
The Rev. Claudia Aguilar Rubalcava from More Light Presbyterians, an LGBTQ-supportive nonprofit, expressed that the topic might soon become a prominent discussion among mainline denominations.
The board of More Light Presbyterians released a statement last month, asserting that the proposal on monogamy specifically affects queer communities. “It centers a single model of relationship as the only faithful expression of Christian life, ignoring both the breadth of biblical witness and the lived realities of many faithful people,” the statement noted.
Aguilar Rubalcava frequently meets polyamorous Presbyterians seeking support during her speaking engagements. Kate Davoli, co-moderator at More Light Presbyterians, was dismissed from the denomination’s ordination process for openness about being polyamorous. The Pittsburgh Presbytery advised her to withdraw due to existing PCUSA governance regulations.
The church’s current governing documents don’t explicitly mention polyamory. However, in 2011, PCUSA modified its Book of Order, removing language demanding ordained clergy to uphold “fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness,” thereby paving the way for LGBTQ ordination.
The Book of Order currently describes marriage as “a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman, to love and support each other for the rest of their lives.” Overture CON-10 seeks to mandatorily enforce monogamous relationships among ordained ministers. It cautions against polyamory, citing concerns regarding potential power imbalances, emotional distress, and spiritual confusion.
The proposal requires approval from the denomination’s delegates at the General Assembly, scheduled for June 29-July 2 in Milwaukee, followed by ratification from over half of more than 160 regional governing bodies. At present, the proposal has backing only from Sierra Blanca Presbytery in New Mexico, which introduced it. Several advisory committees oppose the overture, arguing it meddles in individual intimate lives, narrows the family definition excessively, and uses ambiguous language. Another committee noted that it doesn’t comply with constitutional amendment protocol.
Conversely, another proposal titled “Beyond Changing Families: Flourishing Relationships and Belonging” seeks the development of a theological framework on relational ethics and has approval recommendations from three committees.
Grassroots discussions centered around polyamory, particularly concerning conscientious ministry toward nonmonogamous congregants, have persisted within the PCUSA for years. Davoli highlighted that polyamory could be more prevalent; a 2021 Kinsey Institute study showed around 1 in 9 single adults had experienced polyamorous relationships.
Other mainline denominations are also addressing their stance on polyamory. Several Episcopal priests renounced ordination vows due to clashes between church roles and family arrangements. In 2024, the Episcopal Church evaluated but didn’t progress a resolution aiming to study varied family structures. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, in 2023, resolved to create national resources supporting dialogues about ethical non-monogamous relationships.
Many Christians, spanning the theological spectrum, remain opposed to polyamory, perceiving their beliefs as incompatible with such relationships. Despite limited backing for the PCUSA’s monogamy proposal, Matthew Vines, associated with The Reformation Project and author of “God and the Gay Christian,” views it as an ineffective measure of nonmonogamy support in the denomination.
Vines, identifying as a theologically conservative Christian, left the PCUSA. He noted that linking polyamory with LGBTQ inclusion efforts could jeopardize the acceptance gained for LGBTQ Christians. Vines emphasized monogamy’s significance in reflecting monotheism and God’s covenant.
Christian supporters of polyamory often highlight various relational examples in the Bible, distinguishing polygamy’s hierarchical implications from contemporary polyamory, and emphasize safe, consensual relationships with defined boundaries. More Light Presbyterians organized a “Faithful Polyamory 101” training, illustrating the Trinity as a model of mutual, overflowing love reflected in polyamory.
The General Assembly will decide on monogamy and relationship study proposals by July 2.
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