The Supreme Court’s announcement today means that same-sex marriages can begin in five states: Virginia, Indiana, Wisconsin, Oklahoma and Utah. It also means our right to marry may soon be recognized in six other states: North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, Colorado, Kansas and Wyoming.
While most of us expected the Court would take up the issue in this term, the Court’s action strengthens the momentum towards marriage equality in every state. It also creates an opportunity for Open and Affirming churches to recommit to advocacy for LGBT inclusion and justice in their communities.
The Coalition will provide a fuller response later today, including resources and action ideas for ONA churches. In the meantime, we celebrate with our churches in the five states where soon our marriages will be honored with the dignity and legal protection they deserve.
The Open and Affirming Coalition advocates for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in the United Church of Christ and beyond, and equips UCC congregations to become effective witnesses to Christ’s extravagant welcome.