LGBT Prayer Service at National Cathedral Tonight

The Washington National Cathedral is hosting a church service of "reflection and hope" at 7 p.m. Wednesday night for LGBT families and supporters in response to the Supreme Court's rulings on both the Defense of Marriage Act and Proposition 8. 

“Today’s rulings advance civil marriage equality, but they should also serve as a call for Christians to embrace religious marriage equality. Countless faithful Christians have lived out their lives in committed same-sex relationships, and we have seen the fruits of their fidelity in our families, our congregations and our communities," said Cathedral Dean Gary Hall in a statement. "If we use this historic moment to see more clearly how their faithfulness contributes to the common good, we will better be able to walk with our LGBT sisters and brothers as an act of Christian faith.”

The cathedral's Washington Ringing Society rang the center tower bells a "quarter peal in celebration of marriage equality" at noon Wednesday for about an hour. (Watch a short video of the bells here.)

In January, Dean Hall announced the Cathedral would begin celebrating same sex marriages.

The service Wednesday night will feature leaders from a diverse group of faiths, including:

• The Rev. Dr. Dennis Wiley, pastor of Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ
• Francis DeBernardo, executive director of New Ways Ministry
• The Rev. Dwayne Johnson, senior pastor of Metropolitan Community Church D.C.
• Rabbi Jessica Oleon, Temple Sinai
• The Rev. Linda Kaufman, Episcopal Diocese of Washington