U.S. Presbyterians OK Gay Marriage

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) amended its constitution Tuesday to recognize same-sex marriage. The denomination’s definition of marriage now includes a “commitment between two people,” and was approved by majority of the church’s 171 regional districts, or presbyteries. The general assembly approved the amendment last summer but needed a majority in order to ratify the provision. The 86th vote of approval came from the Presbytery of the Palisades in New Jersey and the new definition will take effect June 21. Nearly 1.8 million people and 10,000 congregations belong to the denomination.