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Congregational Meeting on Marriage Equality Sunday, Sep 14 11:15 a.m. Sanctuary Please plan to attend our next congregational meeting, which will be held following worship on September 14. As announced in the July 20 edition of the Carillon, a Marriage Equality Ministry Team has formed to celebrate the extension of the fundamental right of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in California to marry the person they love and, perhaps more importantly, to work actively between now and the November election to assure that the right to marry is not taken away. On behalf of the Ministry Team, Alison Beck attended the July Council meeting and educated us about the threat posed by Proposition 8 which, if passed by a simple majority of California voters, will prohibit marriage for LGBT couples by amending the state constitution. Alison also helped the Council understand how involved FCCB could become in this matter without jeopardizing the church’s status as a nonprofit institution. Following Alison’s presentation, the Council voted to recommend that during the September 14 congregational meeting FCCB adopt this resolution: First Congregational Church of Berkeley, United Church of Christ, affirms the fundamental right to marry for all people, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. Marriage is an institution that conveys dignity and respect to the lifelong commitment of any couple. The government should not interfere with couples who wish to take on the rights and responsibilities of marriage. Equal protection under the law is the foundation of American society. It is wrong to single out one group of people for unfair treatment under the law. We oppose any initiative, including Proposition 8, that would change the state constitution in an attempt to ban marriage for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender couples in California In preparation for the congregational meeting, the Council asked the Ministry Team to continue educating the congregation, make resources available and create forums for discussion. In 1995 FCCB voted to become an Open and Affirming Congregation. Since then we have intentionally welcomed LGBT people into our community and have worshipped, worked, rejoiced and grieved together. It is the Council’s hope that at the September 14 congregational meeting we will adopt this resolution, and that between September 14 and the November election we will continue to enfold the LGBT members of this community with our loving support, and will each take action to prevent the passage of Proposition 8. Intended age range: Adults/Undergrad/Graduate Childcare will be provided. Cost: Free Sponsored by Church Council The Church Council is the primary governing body of the church. It is made up of the officers of the church, chairs of the various Ministries and at-large members. FOR INFORMATION: Return to the Upcoming Events page |
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