Copied from a statement by Integrity (Episcopal Church GBLT group)
Copied from my LBGT Anglicans yahoo group:
Integrity / National has offered the following statement: LOS ANGELES--Integrity joins with those around the nation who express profound disappointment in the California Supreme Court's abdication of its responsibility to offer equal protection to all California citizens in today's decision regarding Proposition 8. "This morning we saw justice both denied and delayed," said Integrity President Susan Russell. "Today's ruling by the California Supreme Court does not just affect the lives of same-sex couples hoping to live happily ever after with the love of their life; it sets a terrible precedent that a simple majority of voters can relegate millions of citizens to second class status. Until 'liberty and justice for all' really means 'all' we are not yet the nation we are called to be and today was a sad step backward on that arc of history that generations of equality leaders have told us bends toward justice." Russell continued, "It is a decision that is not only antithetical to the core American values of liberty and justice for all, it flies in the face of the core Christian commitment to love our neighbors as ourselves. It is a decision that grieves the heart of God, violates core values of both our faith and our founding fathers, and puts the State of California on the wrong side of history on the issue of marriage equality. It is a decision that should not and will not stand." "As the mother of a son in uniform," said Russell, "I find it deeply ironic that our Supreme Court would issue an opinion allowing discrimination to be written into our statutes the day after a national holiday dedicated to the memory of the brave men and women who have given their lives to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic-to preserve for their fellow citizens the American dream of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. "Integrity will work, pray, and advocate for the full inclusion of all the baptized in all the sacraments within the Episcopal Church and work with our California Faith for Equality allies toward marriage equality in California as we continue our 35-year history of giving voice to the LGBT faithful within the Episcopal Church and from the church to the world." Events As previously mentioned, there will be many events to protest this narrow decision - please check with your local LBGT-supportive organisations, and also at http://www.dayofdecision.com (see more below - and note that while most of the events California, the nationwide importance of this is made clear by the many events outside the state and outside the Western Region. As we mentioned, the "Meet in the Middle" rally will take place on Saturday, May 30 in Fresno, CA at 1pm in Fresno, preceded by a march from Selma, and followed by more gatherings in Fresno. Note that each day this week there will be conferences calls at 9 or 10am - for details go to http://www.meetinthemiddle4equality.com/index.php et al. A similar dial-in event will be held on Wed by California Faith for Equality - see http://apps.calliflower.com/conf/show/51073?conf_key=8a8c22ac0d0e0bed9bc47e33190664f636299323 Note that faith groups will on that same day in Fresno have a Jewish service at 10:30am and a "Faith Tent" at City Hall at noon. They are also organising the march (starting at 6:30am at City Hall). Other Events (in California unless noted) Amongst MANY other events TODAY (May 26) San Francisco all day - Circle of Care Civic Center Plaza Santa Cruz 5pm Town Clock - rally San Diego 5pm start at St Paul's Cathedral, protest march San Luis Obispo 5:30pm Mitchell Park protest Santa Barbara 6pm County Courthouse protest Santa Maria 6pm Betteravia and Miller protest Santa Cruz 7pm 1st Congregational Church Communion for All West Hollywood 7pm 647 N. San Vicente Blvd rally Manhattan (New York, NY) 6pm Union Square rally May 30 Santa Barbara noon County Courthouse Protest June 1 San Diego 7pm St Pauls Cath Service of Consolation We want to note that faith groups had held vigils, etc, in support, such as at Grace Episcopal Cathedral in San Francisco, and with Dean Very Rev Brian Baker of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Sacramento at the Headhunters bar. Other Day of Decision events from http://www.dayofdecision.com
May 27th, 2009 in
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