by Karen Kulm, Vancouver First Congregational UCC
On Wednesday, January 4, Washington Sate Governor Christine Gregoire announced she will introduce legislation to make marriage equality a reality for loving, committed gay and lesbian couples. The bill will have multiple cosponsors in the Washington House and Senate. If the bill passes and the Governor signs it, the opposition is expected to launch a drive for signatures to delay the law until it is put to vote in November.
You can watch Governor Gregoire’s announcement here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJu6MA_wF7o She indicates the flawed logic in the usual talking points against marriage equality. The Governor movingly speaks about her own religious convictions and her struggle to come to terms with doing the right thing–stand up for equality for all persons.
The United Church of Christ General Synod passed a resolution in 2005 in support of equal marriage rights for all and encouraged members to actively work for legislative changes. Now is the time for the Central Pacific Conference churches to get on the road, literally, of this historic journey.
From February 9-15, the Love For All March For Marriage Equality will see marchers and supporters traveling from Vancouver, Washington to the Capitol steps in Olympia. The march was envisioned by Pastor Brooks Berndt, First Congregational UCC, Vancouver, and is cosponsored by Equal Rights Washington, The Religious Coalition for Equality, The Community of Welcoming Congregations, and the Faith Action Network of Washington.
The Central Pacific Conference is sponsoring a team. You can participate in the following ways:
- Attend the kick-off prayer breakfast February 9 at 7 am, Vancouver First United Methodist Church, 401 E 33rd Street.
- Walk as little or as much as you want. We will walk from 8 am-4:30 pm each day. Maps are available with the daily route. We invite groups of people to bring their own support vans, but at least one RV and one van will be available each day to provide warmth, a bathroom, hot beverages, water, and first aid.
- Attend a Town Hall meeting in Longview, Washington the evening of Feb. 11, organized by the Longview United Methodist Church. Consider marching into Longview, where walkers will be welcomed with a potluck dinner provided by the Longview UMC.
- March into Olympia on February 15 for a press conference on the Capitol steps.
- If you are unable to make it for the march, consider staging a solidarity march in your town. Gather equality supporters and stage a march from your church to a local legislator’s office. Carry signs stating you are marching in solidarity with the “Love For All” march.
- Contribute financially to the march to cover costs for supplies, support vehicles, etc.
- Clergy are especially needed to attend the prayer breakfast, Town Hall, and press event at the Capitol. We encourage clergy to wear collars.
To receive more details about the march or to register go to: MarchTeamCall and March Registration Form .