article_snippet: the US Presbyterian Churchhas voted to expand the US Presbyterian Church definition of marriage to include gay and lesbian couples after a decades long debate.
article_snippet: the US Presbyterian Church, made the announcement after the majority of the largest Presbyterian denomination
article_snippet: the largest Presbyterian denomination will now read marriage is 'a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman,' as opposed to just a man and woman previously.
article_snippet: The Presbyterian Church USA which accounts for just under two million members, voted to expand The Presbyterian Church USA definition of marriage to include gay and lesbian couples ©Alex Wong (Getty Images/AFP/File) '
article_snippet: Finally, the US Presbyterian Church
article_snippet: The Presbyterian Church USA fully recognizes that the love of gays and lesbian couples is worth celebrating in the faith community,' Rev. Brian D. Ellison, executive director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, which advocates gay inclusion in the church, told the New York Times. '
article_snippet: The decision is likely to drive a further wedge between Presbyterian USA members, who have taken opposite sides on the issue.
article_snippet: At last year's Presbyterian General Assembly, the church also gave the church pastors a green light to marry gay and lesbian couples in states where such marriages are allowed. '
article_snippet: The Presbyterians' position stands in sharp contrast to that of the Roman Catholic church, the biggest single denomination among Americans, and fundamentalist Evangelicals who strongly oppose gay marriage.
article_snippet: In 2011, the Presbyterian Church USA voted to approve the ordination of openly gay and lesbian clergy.
highlights_snippet: After a debate that has lasted three decades, the US Presbyterian Church has voted to define marriage to include gay and lesbian couples .
  
highlights_snippet: the US Presbyterian Church constitution will read marriage is 'a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman,' not  a man and woman .
  
highlights_snippet: the US Presbyterian Church still counts close to 2million members .