Faith leaders say time has come for freedom to marry
An increasing number of religious congregations and faith leaders are voicing support for the freedom for all people — gay or straight — to marry the person they love. Here are just a few:
Rev. Michael Hanley, Episcopal Bishop of Oregon
Years ago the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Edmond Browning said, ‘there will be no outcasts.’ I strongly believe in the inclusion of all persons in the life of the Church. Our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters in Christ deserve all the rights and privileges, including the right to marry and raise a family, which my wife and I have appreciated in our 30+ years of marriage and in the raising of our two daughters. The time has certainly come to offer the gift of marriage and family to all who seek this honorable estate. ~ Michael Hanley – Episcopal Bishop of Oregon
Rabbi Maurice Harris of Temple Beth Israel in Eugene
My religious denomination — and many others — supports the freedom of gays and lesbians to marry the person they love. I also support religious freedom, and believe no faith should be forced by law to perform weddings that contradict their private religious views. I feel strongly that my religious freedom is being denied by states that won’t recognize weddings of same-sex couples, as my religion teaches that these weddings are sacred before God. ~Rabbi Maurice Harris
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