A Christian Affirmation of Marriage

The ministers of our North American Baptist Conference welcome the privilege that our
respective civil governments give to solemnize marriages as part of their Christian ministry.
However, the same Biblical authority that informs all our teaching and ministry governs our
convictions about the nature of marriage. Therefore, our ministers will in good conscience only
perform weddings consistent with the view of marriage expressed in the following “Christian
Affirmation of Marriage:”

This is expressed in creation and the creation story, the Law of Moses, the wisdom literature,
and in the prophetic tradition (Genesis 1–2; Exodus 20:14, 17; Leviticus 18; Deuteronomy 5:18,
21; Proverbs 5; Proverbs 12:4; Proverbs 13:22; Proverbs 14:1; Proverbs 17:6; Proverbs 19:13–14;
Proverbs 31:10–31; Song of Solomon; Malachi 2:14–15). The Divine establishment of marriage is
confirmed by the words of Jesus and the New Testament authors (Matthew 19:1–9; Mark 10:6–
9; Ephesians 5:22–33; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:1–7). They provide guidance for perfecting
marriage, and affirm its spiritual significance. Chaste singleness and marriage are both honored
as faithful and holy lifestyles ordained by God (Matthew 19:10–13; 1 Corinthians 7).

Our creation as man and woman, who are complementary to one another, has significance in
revealing aspects of the image of God and his relationship to humanity (Genesis 2:7, 18–23;
Genesis 1:27; 1 Corinthians 11:11–12). The permanence of the marital bond mirrors God’s
faithfulness, just as its monogamy reflects God’s singular devotion to his people and his people’s
singular devotion to him (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6; Mark 10:7–9; Ephesians 5:25;
Deuteronomy 6:13; Joshua 24:24; Matthew 4:10).

The commands of God are clear (1 Thessalonians 4:3, 7–8). Sexual activity profoundly affects
people emotionally and spiritually (Proverbs 6:32; 1 Corinthians 6:18–20; Ephesians 4:19–24).
Sexual intercourse outside of marriage, promiscuity, common law relationships, adultery,
homosexual acts, exploitation, incest and sexual perversion contradict God’s purpose for human
sexuality (Leviticus 18:6–18; Matthew 5:27–32; Mark 7:21–23; Romans 1:24–27; 1 Corinthians
5:1, 7:1–2, 9; Colossians 3:5; 1 Timothy 1:8–11).

God is committed to every marriage between a man and a woman (Malachi 2:14–15). In the
covenant of marriage, God joins a man and a woman together “in one flesh,” and forbids anyone
to break it (Matthew 19:4–6; Mark 10:6–9). This covenant is unique among human
relationships (1 Corinthians 11:12). God intends the married couple to recognize and celebrate
his call to an irrevocable commitment to love, to cherish and remain faithful which transcends
the quid pro quo of contracts (1 Corinthians 7:10–11; Ephesians 5:21–33).

The church declares the blessing of God but does not create that benefit (Ephesians 1:22–23).
Therefore the church cannot confer the spiritual blessing of marriage on other relationships
(1 Corinthians 5:9–13; 1 Timothy 1:6–11).

The practical benefits of marriage are inherent to its form. A healthy marriage is a unique source
of benefits for children including the stability of the family and the access of children to a
mother and a father (Proverbs 6:20–23; Colossians 3:18–21). God intended that children should
receive nurture from male and female parents, and in turn learn to honor both (Deuteronomy
5:16; Ephesians 6:1–3). Neither the church nor anyone else can confer the innate benefits of
marriage on other forms of relationships or unions (Matthew 19:4–6; Mark 10:6–9).

We affirm, in accordance to the North American Baptist Conference Statement of Faith, that
each person is unique, possesses dignity, and is worthy of respect.

We also affirm that we are called to introduce each person to the loving, reconciling ministry of
Jesus Christ and the life changing transformation described in scripture.

As Christians we seek to demonstrate God’s love to all people, but we will not compromise our
convictions on marriage as defined by scripture.

Therefore, be it resolved that:

1. As a matter of belief, doctrine and religious practice, the North American Baptist
   Conference reserves the term “marriage” for the covenant relationship between one man
   and one woman to the exclusion of all others.
2. And that the North American Baptist Conference establishes the standard that all
   individuals, who are licensed to perform marriages, will not officiate, co-officiate or
   participate as a pastor at any marriage outside of the previously stated definition of
   marriage.
3. And that in the event that an individual licensed to perform marriages, officiates, co-
   officiates or participates as a pastor at a marriage that is outside of the previously stated
   definition of marriage, will be subject to disciplinary review and loss of license.
4. And we recommend that all North American Baptist Conference churches adopt the above
   as a policy of their individual, local church, and review their “church use policies” to reflect
   the resolution as stated.
5. And that the facilities of North American Baptist Conference churches will not be used for
   weddings or receptions where the marriage union is contrary to the provisions of this
   resolution.

Adopted by the North American Baptists delegates, July 5–9, 2006, Estes Park, Colorado.
Revision approved by the General Council, May 14, 2011, Orlando, Florida.
Adopted with Scripture References by the North American Baptists delegates, July 5, 2012, Orlando, Florida.