The Christian Reformed Church (CRC) synod voted 135-43 to form a committee on homosexuality Wednesday night, but the church will not reexamine its official position, untouched since 1973.

The new committee’s purpose is to “give guidance and clarification” on applying the church’s position on homosexuality in light of the expanding legality of gay marriage in the United States and Canada. It will report back to synod in 2016.

Because of Calvin’s affiliation with the CRC, the college adopts the denomination’s position that marriage is between a man and a woman.

A motion to consider reexamining the church’s official position was defeated, 154-24.

The new committee will address questions like whether:

• CRC church buildings can host gay marriage ceremonies
• CRC pastors can preside over gay marriages
• CRC members are bound to opposing the legalization of gay marriage
• CRC parents can participate in a child’s gay marriage

The church’s official position says that homosexual orientation is a “condition of disordered sexuality that reflects the brokenness of our sinful world.”

The position states that gay people “should not be denied community acceptance based solely on their orientation.” It goes on to say that explicit homosexual practice is “incompatible with obedience to the will of God.”

This will be the first time the church has addressed the issue since 2002, when it gave direction on how to give pastoral care to gay members.