The Presbyterian Church (USA) will address a proposal requiring ordained clergy to be monogamous during its General Assembly this summer. This overture, known as CON-10, has sparked significant online reactions. Despite this, it has not yet gained widespread backing among PCUSA groups.
Another proposal calls for theological studies on gender and sexuality, life-giving relationships, and the Christian vocation of family. These studies aim to support the denomination’s commitment to embracing diverse familial realities. As polyamory becomes more visible in society, its implications for theological policies in progressive Christian denominations are becoming apparent.
The Rev. Claudia Aguilar Rubalcava, director of engagement at More Light Presbyterians, stated, “I think it is the next big conversation that most mainline denominations will have.”
More Light Presbyterians, a nonprofit supporting LGBTQ inclusion, released a statement addressing the monogamy proposal. The statement criticized the proposal for targeting queer communities and promoting a single model of Christian life. It emphasized the variety of biblical teachings on covenant, mutuality, justice, and love, which do not mandate a single relational structure.
Aguilar Rubalcava shared that she frequently meets polyamorous Presbyterians seeking support during speaking engagements. Kate Davoli, co-moderator of the board of More Light Presbyterians, revealed being dismissed from the denomination’s ordination journey for being openly polyamorous. The Pittsburgh Presbytery advised Davoli to withdraw due to PCUSA polity rules.
The PCUSA governing documents currently lack any mention of ‘polyamory.’ In 2011, the church removed language from its Book of Order, allowing LGBTQ individuals to seek ordination. The Book of Order defines 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.”
CON-10 would specifically require ordained ministers in the PCUSA to engage only in monogamous sexual relationships. The overture asserts that polyamory can lead to power imbalances, emotional harm, and spiritual confusion, especially for women, children, and marginalized groups. To pass, it requires approval from delegates at the General Assembly meeting between June 29 and July 2 in Milwaukee, followed by ratification from more than half of the over 160 presbyteries.
Currently, only the Presbytery of Sierra Blanca in New Mexico, which submitted the overture, has endorsed it. Three advisory committees recommended voting against it, citing its attempt to regulate personal relationships and impose a narrow family definition. An additional committee noted the overture’s inconsistency with the procedure for constitutional amendments.
A separate overture, “Beyond Changing Families: Flourishing Relationships and Belonging,” seeks approval from three committees. It calls for creating a theological framework to examine relational ethics. Davoli mentioned that grassroots discussions on polyamory and ministry practices for nonmonogamous congregants have been ongoing in the PCUSA for years. A Kinsey Institute study found 1 in 9 single adults have experienced polyamorous relationships, suggesting its prevalence may be underestimated.
As polyamory gains more attention, other denominations are also reassessing their stance. At least three Episcopal priests renounced their ordination vows due to conflicts with their family structures. In 2024, the Episcopal Church considered but did not advance a resolution to study diverse family structures. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada decided in 2023 to create national resources for discussions on ethical non-monogamous relationships.
Although support for the PCUSA’s monogamy overture is limited, not everyone in the denomination agrees with polyamory. Matthew Vines, author of “God and the Gay Christian” and founder of The Reformation Project, believes the overture is not an accurate measure of nonmonogamy support in the PCUSA. Vines, a formerly PCUSA-affiliated theologically conservative Christian, promotes full LGBTQ inclusion and monogamous same-sex relationships within the church.
Polyamory advocates often highlight various biblical relationship models, distinguishing modern polyamory from traditional polygamy. They stress the importance of safe, consensual relationships with clear boundaries. More Light Presbyterians recently hosted a “Faithful Polyamory 101” training, emphasizing how the Trinity models love that can extend into polyamory.
Davoli noted, “The ability to love our neighbor sometimes includes … a deep intimate affection that is beyond just one other person.” The General Assembly will decide on the monogamy overtures and proposed studies of relationships by its conclusion on July 2.
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