from Metropolitan Community Churches and The Fellowship
For Immediate Release: 8 January 2009 Marriage Equality Update
from MCC’s Global Justice Team
In the face of today’s defeat of Marriage Equality by the New Jersey State Senate, a new glimmer of hope presents itself in California. Starting on Monday the case challenging California’s same sex marriage ban will be heard. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Vaughn Walker will preside over the case. Judge Walker, who was appointed by former President George H.W. Bush, is known as an independent thinker. He fast-tracked the case because he believes the case raises serious civil rights claims. Walker has taken the unusual step of allowing the court proceedings to be videotaped so the public can watch. The trial begins on Monday and will be aired on YouTube each day. Leaders and members of Metropolitan Community Church have been involved in the struggle for Marriage Equality for many years, including MCC Founder Rev. Troy Perry, Pastor of MCC Los Angeles Rev. Dr. Neil Thomas, Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong and many others. MCC Global Justice Team Chair, Rev. Pat Bumgardner says, “What I want both those who support marriage equality and those who oppose it to know is that we as a people will not give up until full equality is achieved, and that it will be achieved. This battle won’t be over until we are celebrating full equality across these United States.” In a recent statement MCC Moderator Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson concluded, “Although sometimes sobered by the setbacks, we know that in the end God’s will for justice and equality will prevail and we will win.” For more information about next week’s California hearings, please click here. For those interested in more information on how people of faith can help win the battle for Marriage Equality, contact: The Rev. Jim Merritt, Marriage Equality Coordinator for Metropolitan Community Churches at [email protected]. This statement prepared in conjuction with The Global Justice Team of Metropolitan Community Churches, The Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Chair. | 
