The Dutch Reformed Church has decided not to appeal against a high court ruling that reversed its decision to ban same-sex unions within the church.
Earlier in March, the Pretoria high court overturned the church’s decision to not recognise same-sex unions.
In 2015, the church agreed to allow pastors to marry same-sex couples within its institutions, as well as lifting the ban on LGBTQI pastors in relationships. However, reportedly spurred on by homophobic congregants, the church reversed its decision less than a year later, saying such relationships did not meet Christian guidelines.
Ministers were also prevented from solemnising samesex unions.
Then a full bench at the Pretoria high court, led by judge Joseph Raulinga, overturned the decision, following almost two years of opposition from the Rev Laurie Gaum, his father and eight others.
Church spokesperson Nelius van Rensburg said after much deliberation – and a meeting with the church’s lawyers – officials had opted not to appeal against the court’s decision.
He said this meant the initial 2015 decision by the church synod would stand – for now.
He said while the church would abide by the court ruling, a synod summit in October would be the next event where the issue would be discussed.
“This is not to say the church won’t change its decision, but the court ruling does call for us to move in a particular direction,” he said.
Gaum said he was disappointed at the ambiguity in the church’s statement, with veiled hints that this might not be the end of the battle.
He said following the court’s ruling, gay ministers would no longer be forced to remain celibate to stay in the church.
It would, however, still be up to each church’s congregation to determine if they would ordain an openly gay minister.
When asked if this could potentially lead to discrimination, Gaum said he was confident there were enough openminded, progressive congregations to allow gay or lesbian ministers to find the right church for them.
With officiations, Gaum said Dutch Reformed ministers could now, in their personal capacity, officiate same-sex marriages, but it would once again be up to the congregation whether such ceremonies could take place within the church walls.