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Statement on the Supreme Court’s Same-Gender Marriage Decision

George Reed, Former Executive Director · June 26, 2015 · Leave a Comment

We celebrate today’s Supreme Court ruling with our gay brothers and sisters who wish to marry and have their marriages recognized nationwide, with denominations and congregations that have authorized and now are affirmed in continuing to perform same-gender marriages, and with the clergy who have sought to officiate these weddings as a matter of faith.

At the same time, we recognize that this continues to be a difficult and complex issue for many people of faith. So we would reiterate that this ruling does not force people to change their personal beliefs, and the decision about performing marriage ceremonies, whether for straight or gay couples, remains at the discretion of clergy, congregations, and denominations.

When the N.C. Council of Churches spoke on issues of homosexuality in 1992, it was to oppose “violence, harassment, and discrimination because of sexual orientation.” When our Board voted in 2004 to formally oppose constitutional bans on same-gender marriage, it was out of the conviction that foundational documents should not be used to “enshrine” discrimination. More than a decade later, we look forward to a time when this issue loses its divisive edge and becomes a place defined by grace, respect, and love.

 

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, LGBTQ, Prophetic Voice

About George Reed, Former Executive Director

As I had hoped, I have spent more time reading books in my retirement. One recent read was Jon Meacham’s splendid biography of Thomas Jefferson. I resonated with something TJ wrote in a letter shortly after leaving the White House in 1809: “I am here [at Monticello] enjoying the ineffable luxury of being owner of my own time.” I can’t say that I am complete owner of my time, but I am really enjoying not being controlled by clock and calendar. Well, except when there’s a deadline for Raleigh Report.

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