With a possible historic vote looming on a measure supporting same-sex marriage, the head of the United Church of Christ on Tuesday publicly endorsed the resolution for the first time.
The Rev. John H. Thomas said Tuesday that the church’s General Synod “should affirm the rights of gay, lesbian and transgender persons” to have marriages “equal in name, privileges and responsibilities to married heterosexual couples.”
“I believe our local churches, as they are able, should move toward the development of marriage equality policies,” Thomas added during a speech at Emory University.
More below.
I’ve mentioned before that if the UCC adopts this proposal, it will be history-making: we will be the first mainline denomination to positively affirm same-sex marriage.
It’s by no means a done deal; there are two competing resolutions, one against SSM, one asking for more time for prayer, reflection, and conversation. And Thomas’ opinion, while influential, is just that: opinion. His vote counts only as much as any other delegate’s.
Still, it’s a step in the right direction, and worth some thanks, don’t you think?
Light them up. Let ’em know you support them.
If you’re interested, you can follow the entire General Synod online.