Brazil, Peru churches end partnerships with PCUSA over same-sex marriage

Presbyterian churches in Brazil and Peru have broken ties with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as a result of the U.S. denomination’s decision in March to allow clergy to celebrate same-sex marriages.

The loss of the South American partnerships comes on top of the decision of 50 U.S. congregations to formally split from the 1.8-million-member denomination since the church policy changed, PCUSA officials say.

Mexican Presbyterians stopped partnering with the denomination after it allowed the ordination of noncelibate gay and lesbian people in 2011.