Approximately 20 clergy from various denominations and religious traditions gathered together on Thursday, May 28th to stand in solidarity with the LGBT community in supporting marriage equality for all residents of Orange County, California. Co-sponsored by California Faith for Equality and Orange County Equality Coalition, the press conference featured an explanation by various religious traditions on the rationale behind the clergy's support. From Native American beliefs about two-spirit individuals to pagan beliefs about "doing no harm," marriage equality among indigenous spiritualities seem to pre-date Jewish and Christian teachings. Several clergy, including The Rev. Sarah Halverson of Fairview Community Church (American Baptist and United Church of Christ) also highlighted the diversity of biblical interpretations with Christianity. She says, " " Rabbi Heather Miller read a statement signed by six rabbis in Orange County showing support from Jewish teachings for marriage equality.
Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong from California Faith for Equality highlighted the Pledge to continue the journey to promote greater participation by congregations in the struggle toward marriage equality by asking congregations to publicly read the pledge during a weekend service and have the governing bodies and clergies "come out" in public support of marriage equality. He says, " "
Pastoral care is also being offered throughout Orange County during this time of grieving through the Unitarian Universalist Care Hotline: 877-228-5490 or by visiting an "Open Sanctuary" at Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church in Costa Mesa or Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Laguna Beach.
People in Orange County are invited to participate in a service to be held on June 4 at 7 pm at University Synagogue in Irvine, entitled, "Telling Our Stories: an Interfaith Journey to Justice."
For more information, please contact AJ Blackwood, equality4all@aretelife.com
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