MCC Responds to California Supreme Court Marriage Ruling

PUBLIC STATEMENT
From Metropolitan Community Churches

Denomination of Metropolitan Community Churches Responds
To Mixed Decision By California Supreme Court
Ruling Upholds 18,000 Same-Sex Marriages in California

The denomination of Metropolitan Community Churches expresses its deep disappointment at today’s decision by the California Supreme Court upholding Proposition 8 and prohibiting same-sex marriages in the state.

Rev. Nancy Wilson, moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches said, “While we celebrate with the 18,000 same-sex couples whose marriages will stand, we are deeply saddened by the court’s decision to allow legalized discrimination against same-gender families. We will continue to work and pray for the day when all citizens are assured the blessings of equality and justice.”

Leaders and members of Metropolitan Community Church have been involved in the struggle for Marriage Equality for four decades, among them MCC Founder Rev. Troy Perry, who performed the first public same-sex wedding in the United States in 1969, and Rev. Dr. Neil Thomas, senior pastor of MCC Los Angeles and president of California Faith for Equality.

Rev. Pat Bumgardner, senior pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of New York City said, “The decision of the California Supreme Court today essentially mandates segregation within the LGBT community, and that is not only legally unacceptable, it is immoral. What I want both those who support marriage equality and those who oppose it to know is that we as a people will not give up until full equality is achieved, and that it will be achieved. This battle is not over and won't be over until we are celebrating full equality across these United States."

MCC encourages non-violent responses to today’s decision. Public events are planned across the United States at which members of the community can respond to the court's ruling. For more information about these events, please visit www.dayofdecision.com.

Metropolitan Community Churches continues to stand for Marriage Equality and for full equality and justice for all people both in the United States and around the world. For additional information about MCC, visit www.MCCchurch.org.


For Further Information, Contact:
Rev. Jim Merritt
Marriage Equality Coordinator for MCC’s Global Justice Team
Metropolitan Community Churches
E-mail: revjim@thecommunityactivist.com
Web: www.MCCchurch.org
This message prepared in conjunction with the Global Justice Team of Metropolitan Community Churches, The Reverend Pat Bumgardner, chair.