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The press release, continued:
Rev. Hardies, as well as fellow co-chairs of DC Clergy United for Marriage Equality, Rev. Christine and Dennis Wiley of Covenant Baptist Church in Southeast DC, is available for further comment on this critically important legislation:Rev. Rob Hardies: (202) 294-9032 (cell)
Rev. Christine Wiley: (301) 404-1842 (cell)
Rev. Dennis Wiley: (301) 404-1843 (cell)Rev. Peter Morales, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, also issued the following statement:
“I applaud the new law that extends marriage rights to same-sex couples in Washington, D.C. This legislation will make a profound difference to many Washington families, and it will shine as a beacon of hope for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens across the country.
I extend my admiration and gratitude to Mayor Fenty and the DC City Council members. When lawmakers step up to end discrimination and protect families, all Americans benefit. The overwhelming support for marriage equality by District leaders is heartening, especially following recent set-backs at state ballot boxes. I believe that justice ultimately will prevail as more civic leaders and private citizens come forward to stand proudly on the side of love.”
Standing on the Side of Love is a campaign sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Association and promotes respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We believe that no person of any immigrant status, race, religion, gender and sexual orientation, ability level, or political view should be dehumanized through acts of exclusion, oppression, or violence.
DC Clergy United for Marriage Equality is a coalition of nearly 200 religious leaders of many races, cultures, faiths, and from every Ward in the District of Columbia, who unite to affirm marriage equality for same-gender couples.
Related: Pro-equality clergy greatly outnumber the anti-gay variety in Washington, D.C.
8 Comments
Grats to DC couplesThe nations capital, the bigots cant miss the symbolism.
Religious FreedomWhen Texas Governor Rick Perry signed the so-called “marriage protection act” it was odious and repugnant.
And I’m not going to be a hyporcrite on this.
Using churches in either case has nothing to do with what we are fighting for. We are fighting for CIVIL marriage and religious freedom. The All Souls church has every right to marry whomever they wish…and the Catholic Church has every right to say no.
Though I’m always grateful to see churches and synagogues becomming more inclusive and appreciate that conversations about marriage equality are taking place in religious circles, using a church for this is sometimes more devisive than helpful. W
This legislation could have been signed with our nation’s capitol building as the backdrop.
Stuart & Robert wyman-Cahall
Las Vegas, NV 89142
It is about religionI know that what we’re fighting for is civil marriage. However, something equality groups and progressive churches should talk about is religious discrimination.
Churches, like DC’s All Souls, have been (and are being) denied the right to solemnize the marriages they see fit.
The longer this game carries on, the more I think we should run right into the religious arguments, rather than run from them. And I’m (mostly) an atheist.
Religious FreedomInfodriveway,
I agree with your post. America is a religious country and I am a religious person.
BUT I would be remissed not to remind you that the State of Maine is one of the LEAST religious states in the union…the place where marriage equality should have been a cake walk.
All I was saying that if the Texas governor can sign hateful legislation in a church to slap us in the face, than I would rather turn the other cheek. I’m not one to give the haters and bigots any reason to violate my civil rights. We’re in this as Americans, NOT theocrats.
I have an enormous appreciation for churches like All Souls, the UCC chuch, reform Judism, etc.
I just didn’t want you or others to get the wrong idea.
Suart & Robert Wyman-Cahall
Las Vegas, NV 89142
I agree in part.Yes, I agree it shouldn’t have been in a church, but it shouldn’t have been with the Capitol as a backdrop. Those people from around the country had absolutely nothing to do with this. This was a purely DC acomplishment.
Has Harry Jackson’s head exploded yet?
As a UU, this makes me extremely proud of my denominationAnd it seems very fitting. I believe the Unitarian Universalist movement was one of the first denominations to begin solemnizing same-sex unions (although it should be noted that some congregations still don’t, although they are very few), back in the 1970′s.
I couldn’t agree moreHowever I also agree that the capitol shouldn’t be the back drop either. I’d rather see the Constitution in the National Archives be the backdrop.