#ReadyToMarry
by the Heartland Clergy for Inclusion
Dear Clergy
& Faith Leaders,
We are writing to invite you to participate in a new interfaith campaign with Heartland Clergy for Inclusion entitled #ReadyToMarry.
Marriage equality for same-sex couples seems inevitable even in the State of Nebraska. Thirty-seven states have now granted legal marriage to same-sex couples. Courts overturn bans routinely, and the Supreme Court may rule this year. And a ruling could come any day in an ACLU lawsuit seeking to overturn Nebraska’s ban on same-sex marriage
In preparation for that day (and to help it along), we are organizing as clergy to demonstrate our support for marriage equality.
There are four ways that you can participate.
- Sign the #ReadyToMarry Statement
This link will direct you to a Google Form where you can read and sign our statement of support for marriage equality. You will also have an opportunity to add your name and contact information to our public Marriage Directory.
- Take a #ReadyToMarry Photo for Our Social Media Campaign
We are continuing a social media campaign using pictures of clergy holding signs stating that they are ready to marry couples. Here you will find a selection of signs that you can choose from. We ask you to print one off and take a picture of yourself holding it. If you can, please wear clerical vestments or collar (if that is something you normally do), and please take the photo in your place of worship (if you can). Feel free to take the photo together as a church staff. Then, please send the photo to Scott Jones at scott@firstcentral.org. Sending your photo gives us permission to use it publicly.
- Attend a #ReadyToMarry Rally
On or near the date when marriage equality arrives in Nebraska, we will hold a press conference and rally to show our clergy support. Stay tuned for more information including date, time, location, etc.
- Invite Other Clergy to Participate
Please share this e-mail with other clergy who you know will want to participate.
#ReadyToMarry Statement
Based upon our religious convictions, we believe that same-sex couples should be able to legally marry in Nebraska. We stand ready to perform those marriages when the current ban is removed.
As faith leaders and Nebraskans, we believe in loving our neighbors and treating one another as we would like to be treated – with dignity and respect. This means recognizing the love and commitment of lesbian and gay couples through marriage. Entering into a committed, loving relationship is one of life’s most sacred and holy gifts. Marriage means responsibility and hard work, but it also brings life-changing protections for a family.
The freedom of religious belief and practice is paramount for a solid and healthy society. Every faith leader will always be free to determine which marriages to bless or officiate and which to not. Marriage for same-sex couples will not change that fundamental principal. Instead, lifting the ban will remove an obstacle preventing us from ministering equally to all families in our community. The current ban on legal same-sex marriage in Nebraska discriminates against our religious beliefs and the teachings and practices of our faiths.
We stand for the freedom to marry. We are ready to celebrate religious and legal marriages for Nebraska’s same-sex couples.
73 signers:
- Rev. Chris Alexander
Countryside Community Church UCC
Omaha, NE - Rev. Zach Anderson
Hanscom Park United Methodist Church
Omaha, NE - Rev. Mary Avidano
United Church of Christ
Elgin, NE - Rev. Ray Avidano
United Church of Christ
Elgin, NE - Rabbi Aryeh Azriel
Temple Israel
Omaha, NE - Rev. Jeannie Bates
First Central Congregational Church UCC
Omaha, NE - Rabbi Josh Brown
Temple Israel, Jewish Reform
Omaha, NE - Rev. Jacob Buchholz
First-Plymouth Congregational UCC
Lincoln, NE - Royal D. Bush, Chaplain
The Inclusive Life Center
Omaha, NE - Karen Clarke
First-Plymouth Congregational UCC
Lincoln, NE - Rev. Toni Stephens Coleman
Unity Lincoln – Unity Church
Lincoln, NE - The Reverend Karla J. Cooper
Quinn Chapel AME Church
Lincoln, NE - Rev. Susan Ellis
Northside Christian Church
Omaha, NE - Rev. Dr. Eric Elnes
Countryside Community Church UCC
Omaha, NE - Rev. Thomas Emmett
Metropolitan Community Church
Omaha, NE - Dr. Jane Florence
First United Methodist Omaha
Omaha, NE - Rev. Stephen Griffith
United Methodist
Lincoln, NE - Pastor Diana K Jahn
Purdum UCC Church
Purdum, NE - Rev. Dr. E. Scott Jones
First Central Congregational UCC
Omaha, NE - Dr. James Keck
United Church of Christ
Lincoln, NE - Rev. Dr. Renae Koehler
United Church of Christ
Lincoln, NE - Rev. Kenneth G. Leischner
United Church of Christ
Columbus, NE - Rabbi Craig Lewis
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun / Reform Judaism
Lincoln, NE - Jessica Lincoln
Wicca and Baptist
Grand Island, NE - The Rev. Dr. Annika Lister Stroope
PC(USA) & UCC
Columbus, NE - Rev. Greg Lugn
Christian Church, (Disciples of Christ)
Lincoln, NE - Rev. Chris McArdle
United Church of Christ
Columbus, NE
If you are Clergy and wish to have your name added, please email us at:
Scott@FirstCentral.org