Presbyterian Church in Ireland a variety of social issues within and outside the denomination. In May 2006, the church's press officer announced that ministers could bless same-gender civil partnerships. However, in June 2006, the General Assembly (GA) voted to ban its ministers from blessing same-gender relationships reversing the previous announcement. In 2015, the church voiced its opposition to the legalisation of gay marriage. On women's issues, the church ordains women as ministers. On life issues, the denomination opposes abortion except for when the woman's life is in danger. Presbyterian Church in Ireland The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI; , Ulster-Scots: "Prisbytairin Kirk in Airlann")
Merritte W. Ireland Merritte W. Ireland Merritte Weber Ireland (May 31, 1867 – July 5, 1952) was the 23rd U.S. Army Surgeon General, serving in that capacity from October 4, 1918 to May 31, 1931. Ireland was born on May 31, 1867 in Columbia City, Indiana, a town in the upper end of the Wabash Valley in Whitley County, Indiana. His father, Dr. Martin Ireland, was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, and his mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Fellers, came from Waynesboro, Virginia. He graduated from the Detroit College of Medicine, receiving an M.D. degree in 1890. The following year was spent in