I am thankful for the witness of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens of the state of Illinois and straight allies for the gains made toward civil rights in our state. As a clergyperson, my calling is to serve all the people of God. While I am exempt from state law in regards to performing same gender marriage, it is my covenant with God and statement of call through which I would gladly serve the pastoral needs of any couple - gay or straight - seeking the blessings of the church upon their commitment of love, fidelity and faithfulness.
Scripture of the Bible, Old Testament/Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament, was used by opponents and supports of the new marriage equality statute. I believe there is nothing in holy writ that speaks better to the spirit of the legislation passed than "God is love."
The Religious Freedom and Marriage Equality Fairness Act is good legislation. Respectively, no clergy person or church/synagogue/mosque is mandated to perform or be the site of a same-gender marriage service. However, because I serve as both a religious leader of a church and an agent of the State of Illinois/Lake County when performing a wedding ceremony, I can now make such covenants sacred and legally binding by my signature.
This is a powerful privilege and one I don't take lightly or casually.
I give thanks for everyone who worked to make this legislation the law of the Land of Lincoln.
I look forward to being in ministry in a more whole and wonderful to all the couples who seek the blessings of the church of Jesus Christ.
