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.

  Follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

• 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

See Full List

If you are Clergy and wish to have your name added, please email us at:
Scott@FirstCentral.org