Equality Maine: "It's a Go!"

Augusta, ME, January 26, 2012:                

Faith leaders in the Religious Coalition Against Discrimination proudly affirm today’s decision by Equality Maine to make families stronger by initiating efforts to protect all Maine families in these tough times.

“For the love of God and out of respect for our neighbors, some of whom are gay and lesbian, we need to do the right thing and support marriage for same-sex couples,” said Coalition member and Dean of the Episcopal Cathedral Church of St. Luke in Portland, the Very Rev. Dr. Benjamin Shambaugh.

The Religious Coalition Against Discrimination is a statewide multi-faith network of clergy and other faith leaders who educate and advocate for the civil and human rights of all Mainers, including gay men and lesbians, within Maine’s diverse congregations and communities.  The Coalition includes people of faith from 18 different traditions and denominations.  “While there are differences within our traditions about these questions, all our traditions place high value on marriage and family.   We also respect the dignity and worth of all persons.  And we share a moral obligation to treat our neighbors lovingly and with kindness,” said Coalition President, Rev. Dr. Marvin Ellison, professor at Bangor Theological Seminary.

“To love our neighbors, including our gay and lesbian neighbors, means protecting their relationships and their families.  There is no better way to keep Maine families strong than to protect the freedom to marry for same-sex couples and invite them to share this high responsibility,” said Coalition member Rev. Carie Johnsen, Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Community Church in Augusta.