Presbyterian Church Debates Approving Polyamory Amid Membership Decline

The Presbyterian Church (USA) is currently debating whether to approve polyamory, a decision that highlights a significant shift in the denomination's approach to relationships and societal norms. This move follows previous progressive stances, such as ordaining female pastors in the 1950s and allowing pastors in same-sex relationships in 2011.

A proposed resolution aims to require pastors to be in "monogamous" relationships. However, even this measure faces challenges, with three church leadership committees recommending its rejection. Instead, they propose forming a study group to explore theological arguments for broadening the definition of family. This suggests a potential move towards accepting polyamorous relationships within the church structure.

Michael Prüller, in his column, argues that polyamory is a conscious choice, not an unchangeable condition like gender or sexual orientation. He contrasts two fundamental worldviews: the traditional European perspective, where individuals find meaning through adherence to a creator's plan and self-restraint, versus the modern view, which emphasizes self-fulfillment and personal feelings as guides, valuing only actions that directly harm others or hinder self-creation.

Prüller observes that the Presbyterian Church (USA), the largest and oldest Presbyterian denomination in the U.S. with a membership that is generally whiter, wealthier, and more educated than the American average, is rapidly losing members. Since 2010, its numbers have halved. He suggests that attempting to reconcile a desire to remain religious with declaring the individual as sovereign may not be a sustainable strategy for the church.

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Polyamory is not a fate, but a decision.