Dear Friend:
 
I'm writing to you today with a different purpose than usual.

There is a movement underway that is gaining increasing political support from social and religious conservatives -- the movement to deny civil rights and equal benefits to GLBT people by using the anti-gay Federal Marriage Amendment.

This amendment proposes a constitutional ban on same-sex marriages. Not since Prohibition has a constitutional amendment been proposed that would take rights away from Americans, rather than protect their freedoms.

Adding fuel to the fire is “Marriage Protection Week,” (Oct. 12-18) a week being organized by Jerry Falwell, James Dobson, and the Southern Baptist Convention and which is dedicated to “preserving the sacred institution of marriage” and defining marriage as solely between a man and a woman.  

To make matters worse, President George W. Bush recently signed on as a supporter:

In his proclamation, the president states:

"Marriage Protection Week provides an opportunity to focus our efforts on preserving the sanctity of marriage and on building strong and healthy marriages in America. ... We must support the institution of marriage and help parents build stronger families. And we must continue our work to create a compassionate, welcoming society, where all people are treated with dignity and respect."

Despite his words, President Bush's endorsement denies compassion, dignity and respect to millions of GLBT couples.

MCC is responding to these growing attacks with “Marriage Equality Week,” (Oct. 12-19—that's right, the same exact week!) -- a week we are dedicating to same-sex marriage recognition.

Here is where your help is needed!

I am inviting you to participate in Marriage Equality Week by taking five relatively simple and concrete actions.

STEP ONE:
Here is one simple step you can take to make a profound difference: Take a few minutes to write letters in support of "Marriage Equality Week" -- and in opposition to the Federal Marriage Amendment -- to your representatives in Congress.

Here's why this action is so vital:

The offices of every Congressperson and Senator carefully track all incoming correspondence. When it comes time to vote, they pay careful attention to the views expressed by their constituents. Your letter or e-mail can make a difference!
 
(Each congressional office has a "weighting system" for incoming correspondence. For example, they estimate that for every letter received, there are at least 1000 other constituents who feel the same way, but who do not take the time to write. A single letter from you carries a lot of weight in congressional offices!)

You can find your local Representative's contact information on-line at www.house.gov/writerep and Senator's at www.senate.gov. Write them. Make your voice heard.

STEP TWO:
Write to the White House and share your views. Tell your story. Let them know there are millions of GLBT people who want nothing more and nothing less than equality under the law -- including the marriage laws. Ask that the White House not support a consitutional amendment that would take away our rights.

Here is contact info for the White House:

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Comments: 202-456-1111
FAX: 202-456-2461

E-Mail:
President George W. Bush: president@whitehouse.gov 
Vice President Richard Cheney: vice.president@whitehouse.gov
 
STEP THREE:
Take a few minutes to learn more about the movement for same-sex marriage rights.

A great starting place is the MCC website at www.MCCchurch.org. Click on "Same-Sex Marriage" and take a look at the resources available to you.

Some other excellent and helpful websites include:  

www.allianceforsamesexmarriage.org

www.hrc.org www.freedomtomarry.org www.ngltf.org

STEP FOUR:
Sign the on-line petitions in support of our community. There is power in our unified actions. Check out the following on-line petitions:

www.DontAmend.comwww.hrc.org/millionformarriage/index.asp 

www.allianceforsamesexmarriage.org/signon.htm 

STEP FIVE:
Forward this Action Alert to your friends, your e-mail lists, and LISTSERVS to which you belong. Print this information and place it on bulletin boards at community centers, bookstores, etc. Insert this action alert in your Sunday worship folder. Send it to open and welcoming congregations in your area. Help us get this message out.

What it comes down to...

...is the same thing you hear every Sunday in your MCC congregation: WE ARE ALL MINISTERS. These five action steps are vital ways you can minister on behalf of everyone in our community. Please take some time today and do your part. We can all make a difference!

Yours,
Roman Cardenas
Associate Director of Communications
Metropolitan Community Churches

P.S.  Let me encourage you to take one additional step.

I have created a PDF file which is posted on the MCC website. This is one of the many resources MCC is offering to our allies to gain speed and distance in the movement for the legalization of same-sex marriage. You can locate this document by clicking: Same-Sex Marriage Propeller. This document can be easily downloaded, printed and reproduced for use in your community.