article_snippet: (CNN)The country's largest Presbyterian denomination has changed CNN)The country's largest Presbyterian denomination definition of marriage to include gay couples -- though not explicitly.
article_snippet: Presbyterian Church (USA) approved an amendment to Presbyterian Church (USA) constitution after most of Presbyterian Church (USA) 171 presbyteries -- or governing bodies -- voted for Presbyterian Church (USA), PC (USA) said Tuesday.
article_snippet: Before, the definition said marriage was between "a man and a woman.
article_snippet: the definition says, in part, that "marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman, to love and support each other for the rest of two people, traditionally a man and a woman lives.
article_snippet: (USA) ministers can perform same-sex marriages in states where such marriages are legal, Presbyterian Church (USA) said.
article_snippet: But no teaching elder or session can be forced to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies if they do not believe they are appropriate.
article_snippet: The change aligns the church's constitution with a reality that has long been true: Both same-gender and opposite-gender couples have been living in relationships that demonstrate covenant faithfulness, shared discipleship and mutual love," Presbyterian Church (USA) said.
highlights_snippet: Presbyterian Church (USA) will define marriage as a "commitment between two people"
  The marriage amendment will take effect June 21 .