Rev. Charles J. Stephens, Unitarian Universalist Church at Washington Crossing
The Unitarian Universalist Church at Washington Crossing (UUCWC) applauds the recent ruling by the California Supreme Court in support of marriage equality by acknowledging the right of same-gender couples to marry.
The California court wrote, “Our state now recognizes that an individual’s capacity to establish a loving and long-term committed relationship with another person and responsibly to care for and raise children does not depend upon the individual’s sexual orientation, and, more generally, that an individual’s sexual orientation — like a person’s race or gender — does not constitute a legitimate basis upon which to deny or withhold legal rights.”
We are further heartened by the recent announcement that the state of New York will recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states or countries.
The first two principles of Unitarian Universalism recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every person and call for justice, equity and compassion in human relations. Consistent with these values, in 2003 the congregation at UUCWC unanimously voted to affirm the right of same-gender couples to be married, and was one of the first in the United States to be designated by the Unitarian Universalist Association as a “Welcoming Congregation” that recognizes the sexual diversity of its congregation and encourages all members to participate fully in church activities and governance.
It is our hope that, in the near future, New Jersey will see fit to support and embrace all families by ending the current discrimination in its marriage laws and instituting marriage equality. I have had the privilege of participating in many civil union ceremonies in New Jersey, but am looking forward to being able to perform marriage ceremonies for all couples that want them.
