Clarendon Presbyterian Church is taking a stand. As of this past summer, the church is no longer acting as an agent of the state when performing marriage ceremonies. Any couple wanting to get married within the church will first have to take part in a civil marriage ceremony done by a justice of the peace or other state official licensed to perform those ceremonies.
Clarendon Presbyterian Church's mission is "All are welcome" and with the on-going debate about same-sex marriages, Rev. David Ensign and his congregation did not want to be part of a commonwealth that does not treat everyone equally.
"This is a statement that says 'We don't believe the way the state is treating you is just.' We are supporting the community," said Ensign, minister at Clarendon Presbyterian Church.
This decision is a result of many church sessions between Ensign and the Board of Directors, elders that are elected by the congregation.
"We don't want to be part of a system that is inherently unjust and causes pain in community members," said Rev. Ensign.
"I know that Rev. Ensign felt conflicted about not being able to provide services to all members of his community," said Ashley Smith. Ashley and her husband were the last couple to receive Ensign's signature for the marriage license.
Ensign considered withdrawing his ability to perform the civil aspects of a marriage for a while. Church sessions have been held since last spring to talk about this topic at length. The decision was made after months of reading on the Church's position, consulting with members of the congregation, finding out what the congregation believed and making sure the older members understood the issue surrounding the debate and cared about the topic.
"It has been a positive experience," said Travis Reindl, a member of the congregation and Clerk of Sessions. "The vast majority have agreed with the decision. I have not heard one negative comment."
"I am in full support of his decision. I am very proud of him," said Ashley Smith.
During the 1980s, the church became a redevelopment church and focused on reaching out to the community. They provided a space for the Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance to meet political candidates. This in turn brought more members to the congregation, helping it become a voice for human rights.
Today the congregation focuses on advocating for those who are not heard, such as people with disabilities and those who are gay and lesbian. The church's long standing history of supporting human rights attracted them to the next step: creating equality in a church by performing a ceremony for everyone, not just heterosexual couples.
"The church has a long history for standing up for people that have been marginalized or left behind," said Reindl.
SINCE THE CHURCH will not conduct civil aspects of the ritual, the ceremonies will focus on the faith between two people. All aspects of the occasion, such as the exchanging of the rings and the opening words, will be conducted with a focus on God.
"The Church's interest is in faithful living between two people," said Ensign. "There is a profound sense that God is interested in faithful living of same-sex couples."
No matter the sex of the people involved, the people participating in the ceremony will be able to take a deeper look at their faith.
"Those involved can respond in a way that shows God is active in their life and in their relationship," said the reverend. "We want to get out of the business of being the backdrop of what are civil marriages and invite couples to take a deeper look at their faith and commitment."
Ensign publicly announced his decision to no longer be an agent of the state for marriage ceremonies at an awards ceremony for the recipients of the James B. Hunter Human Rights Award, in which Clarendon Presbyterian Church was one of the recipients. The award recognizes sustained commitment and accomplishments in the area of human rights.
"I am proud that this church continues its human rights work and takes such a stand on behalf of equal treatment for all," said Kris McLaughlin, president of Arlington's Gay and Lesbian Alliance. "Members of that church are making a statement and it's a great example of a church standing up for what its members believe."
"Everyone was uniformly positive about the decision," said Ensign. "It's another statement of this community. It is part of our identity."
To make the decision final, Ensign sent a letter to the government office relinquishing his authority.
All he got in return was a receipt.