Church Offering Free Same-Sex Wedding Ceremonies

What better way to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on marriage equality than by hosting same-sex wedding ceremonies across the country?

That’s the thinking of leaders at the Unitarian Universalist Association. Its churches across the country are preparing to offer free same-sex marriage ceremonies to couples July 11 and July 11.

“For more than thirty years, Unitarian Universalists have been celebrating, honoring, performing and recognizing same sex marriages around the country,” its website explains. “It seems only fitting that we cap these three decades of solidarity with an event that speaks to our principles, offers public witness to our values, and celebrates the groundbreaking moment.”

See Also:

• Marriage a Right for Same-Sex Couples: U.S. Supreme Court

Unitarian Universalists come from all walks of life and don’t represent a single traditional religion. Instead, the church’s website explains: “We are Unitarian Universalist and Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Humanist, Jewish, Muslim, Pagan, Atheist, Theist, Agnostic and more.” The church has been “on the forefront of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer inclusion” movement for decades, it also notes.

Rather than subscribe to a single belief system, the church describes itself and its followers as “self-motivated spiritual people; we think for ourselves and recognize that life experience influences our beliefs more than anything.”

As for those free wedding ceremonies coming up, the church does say there are a few caveats.

“By ‘free wedding,’ we mean the minister will offer their services and when needed, the congregation’s space can be used.” The deal doesn’t include the reception, clothing, invitations, decorations and other typical wedding fare.

Three Unitarian Universalist churches in Florida have signed up to take part. One is the in the Tampa Bay area – Manatee UU Fellowship in Bradenton. To find out more about ceremonies there, email the Rev. Dee Graham at deegraham@aol.com. The other two cities where services will be offered are Key West and Tallahassee.

The ceremonies are also being offered in a number of other states. So far, the church has announced participation from congregations in Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois and Indiana, among other states. For a complete lineup of locations offering the free ceremonies, visit the association online.

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