UNITY Supports Same-Sex Marriages
A true marriage is about love and commitment: A commitment between two consenting (adult) individuals to choose, each and every day, to love one another; to call forth each other's best; to make and share a home where each partner is encouraged to learn and grow; to honor one another's differences and to delight in the ongoing discovery of each other as unique and beloved expressions of God. I use some form of these words in every marriage ceremony I perform.
This past weekend (July 26), I was honored (for the second time since the California Supreme Court decision in May legalizing same-sex marriage) to preside at an historical and long overdue event - a "state-sanctioned" marriage ceremony for four lesbian couples. I have been performing Holy Unions (spiritual marriages without state sanction) throughout my ten years in ministry. Now, however, I am empowered "by the authority vested in me by the state of California" to pronounce gay and lesbian couples legally married as well.
As I said in the service, this ceremony was not a celebration of a new union being formed (collectively, these four couples had already been "married" in the eyes of God, themselves, their families and communities for 60+ years); nor was it a necessary validation of the commitment each of these couples already shared. And, while it was a sacred ceremony, in Truth, it did not establish--but only confirmed--the holy, meaning whole & sanctified, nature of these loving relationships.
It was actually a celebration of rising consciousness within our society--that allowed me to formally and legally acknowledge and affirm the love and commitment that is already shared by these couples. But be clear, this is not an insignificant change, since it is the legal sanction of marriage that allows life partners to establish community property, be informed of and participate in making medical decisions for one another, exercise parental rights, and receive all of the other rights granted married couples. I am so grateful that our California laws can no longer discriminate against people based on sexual orientation.
There is a challenge to this evolvement, however, in the form of a state ballot proposition on the California November ballot. Proposition 8 "changes California Constitution to eliminate right of same-sex couples to marry. Provides that only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."
The major force behind this proposition comes from conservative religious groups who believe that homosexuality is a sin, based on their reading of the Bible. I could argue with their Bible interpretation (and I will do that in my September 21 Sunday Lesson) but, for now, that discussion is secondary to our nation's tradition of separation of church and state. The religious beliefs of a few must not be used to deny the civil rights of others. Based on my personal convictions, and in alignment with the teachings and practices of the Unity movement, I will be voting "NO" on Proposition 8 this November. I invite you to join me in supporting equality, justice and love.
Namaste
Rev. Vicky Elder
Spirituality & Politics
As a religious institution, UMB cannot endorse political candidates without jeopardizing our non-profit status (and, as far as I am concerned, our spiritual integrity). And though it is legal to comment on and/or advocate for or against issues that are relevant to our spiritual beliefs, we tend to trust the spiritual presence within each of us to guide our decision making. Occasionally, however, issues come up that clearly involve Unity's spiritual principles--and in these instances, we may suggest a position that we believe is in alignment with Unity teachings. I believe that California's Proposition 8 - the "Marriage Amendment" is such an issue (see "Message" above).
Contents
Updated: 8/24/2008
This Week's Lesson and a Look Ahead
Opportunities to Serve...