Posted on July 3rd, 2011 by Anne Underwood
Lewiston, ME – Catholics for Marriage Equality and the Religious Coalition Against Discrimination joined Equality Maine and Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders to announce Marriage Equality for Maine is again open for citizen action. The Religious Coalition Against Discrimination is an organization of religious leaders and lay people from many faith traditions, who believe that their faith requires them to for equality for all people, including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Mainers.
The pastor of Old Orchard Beach United Methodist church, Michael Gray said, “As a pastor whose faith has been the guiding force throughout my adult life, I had a very traditional view of what marriage meant. But over time, as I met more gay and lesbian couples, including some who are active in my parish, I came to learn that gay people are no different from me. I now realize that the love and commitment in their relationships is as strong as the love and commitment my wife and I share, and I support their right to marry the person they love.”
Michael Brennan of Portland said, "It is so important that Catholics are here today standing with our coalition partners in the work for Marriage Equality. Justice for all people is the heart of Catholic Social Teaching which itself is based on our understanding of Jesus' teaching that God is Love and loves all families equally." Brennan is a member of Catholics for Marriage Equality, an organization representing the majority of lay Catholics throughout Maine and the U.S. who support marriage equality.
"Extending the freedom to marry to same-gender loving couples is a win-win situation. It's good for the couples, and it's good for marriage. It's time for Maine to do the right thing,” said Rev. Dr. Marvin Ellison, president of the board for the Religious Coalition Against Discrimination. “Over the last few months, the importance of faith leaders in the fight for marriage has been witnessed in Maryland, Rhode Island, and New York. Unfortunately, many people think that our opposition has the market cornered when it comes to marriage,” said Ellison. “It is important for people of faith, both leaders and lay people, to stand up and have their voices heard. The Religious Coalition Against Discrimination is committed to standing with our coalition partners in the coming months to make marriage equality a reality, here in Maine.”
