CLGS

Contact:
Rev. Tara Wilkins (Oregon): 503-665-8741 tara@welcoming congregations.org

Rev. Roland Stringfellow (California): 510-849-8934 rstringfellow[at]clgs[dot]org

(GRESHAM, OREGON/BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA) - “Standing on the Side of Love” faith leaders in Oregon & SW Washington, and the Bay Area unite to show support of gay and lesbian families. Executive Director of the Bay Area Coalition of Welcoming Congregations, Rev. Roland Stringfellow and Executive Director of the Community of Welcoming Congregations, Rev. Tara Wilkins issued this joint statement today:

In recent days, much blame and shame have been placed on faith communities and communities of color who supported the passage of Proposition 8 in California and the anti-gay legislation that passed in other states. While we understand the pain that is associated with loss, we encourage those who are passionate about this issue to focus our energy to create opportunities for open dialog around the issues of faith, diversity, love and the power of commitment.

We strongly encourage the member congregations we represent in this open letter to take the lead in responding to the current battle for Marriage and Family Equality. We propose hosting congregational and/or community forums that allow people to express their emotions in productive ways and to create meaningful conversation that will offer opportunities for healing and unity.

People of faith from a spectrum of traditions fought to defeat Proposition 8 and Measure 36. Clergy and congregational leaders lent their voices to the chorus of people who believe in fairness and equality for all people. That chorus is growing. Today we continue to stand in solidarity with all of the couples who were already wed and with all those who seek to be married. Today we call on people of faith to lead with way toward justice by working with community coalitions to ensure that we all experience full inclusion and equality. “Let justice roll down like waters” (Am5:24).