FPCE policy on Marriage and Ordination 

FPCE is deeply committed to following God's Word as revealed in the Bible.  However, honest and prayerful attempts to understand the Bible lead some of us to conclude that marriage must be between a man and a woman, while others conclude that same-sex marriages are acceptable. 

At FPCE we respect those holding both interpretations, and we worship and serve God together despite these differences.  FPCE affords the freedom of conscience needed to make this possible.  Specifically:   

• FPCE facilities can be used for a same-sex wedding ceremony, as well as for a marriage between a man and a woman, provided in both cases that there is commitment to fidelity in a monogamous and covenantal marriage.  

• Church leaders (e.g. pastors, elders and deacons) must be committed to celibacy in singleness, or to a monogamous and covenantal marriage that is either marriage between a man and a woman or a same-sex marriage.

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