Unity Fellowship Church Movement Speaks on Prop 8

UFCM NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS ALERT

CONTACT: Elder Kevin E Taylor, President
UFCM National Office of Communications 732-214-0390


The House of Bishops of UFCM, Inc. Speak Out
Against CA Supreme Court Decision Upholding Prop 8



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Los Angeles – National UFCM Headquarters
Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Earlier today, the California Supreme Court voted to uphold Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in the state, after a referendum vote in November 2008. The Court also elected to make a statement about the 18,000 same-sex couples who were able to marry in the interim period between their original May 2008 decision and the November vote, allowing those who were married prior to the referendum, to remain legally married. The decision threw out an argument by activists that Prop 8 unjustly modified California's equal protection clause within its Constitution, and would need legislature approval.

The announcement of the decision caused strong reaction from around the country and from the House of Bishops of the Unity Fellowship Church Movement, a denomination that includes many Lesbian, Gay, Transgender
and Bisexual members, though affirming to all people.

Founder and Presiding Prelate Archbishop Carl Bean and other clergy in the Western Jurisdiction have been actively engaged in the fight against Prop 8 in California. He noted that “this (issue) is the last hold-out of the regime of people who want to control people’s lives. The church has always had the right to determine whom they will marry in their own church, but the marriage contract is in the civil arena. Everyone ought to be able to partake in that civil practice. We need to stand firm on that right and not budge. We are a democracy. We are not a Theocracy! We as Black people surely should not shut up and be quiet after the experiences that we have had in this country around civil rights. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO DIFFERENCE!”

Bishop Jacquelyn Holland, Prelate of The Mid-Atlantic Jurisdiction, voiced encouragement and determination as her own home State of New Jersey grapples with marriage equality, which may go to a legislative vote later this year. “The decision, though disheartening, reminds us that the fight for equal rights must continue. It is imperative that we also remember the power of visibility. We are encouraged by the 18,000 couples that are able to stand, but this is really about lives. I am proud that we have churches (throughout the country) that are very much involved in this issue. This is social justice at its best.”

Bishop Zachary G. Jones, Prelate of The Northern Jurisdiction, which includes the State of New York, where Governor David Patterson has vowed his support of marriage for all, questioned, “How does America continue to live with this duality? How can we have couples in the same state who are able to be married, while others are left without legal protection? A divided house cannot stand. Eventually we will have to acknowledge that our civil rights, and the necessity of America to deal with the truth of this country, are the issues for the ages. We, as a country, as its people who love life and liberty, must struggle with what it really means to have equality!”

Bishop Tonyia Rawls, Prelate of The Southern Jurisdiction, which includes Washington, D.C., where marriage equality was supported by the City Council with a 12-1 vote. She serves on the Faith Advisory Council of the National Black Justice Coalition and added, “While I commend the (CA) Supreme Court for not denying 36,000 gay and lesbian American citizens who were married in CA the right to all of the privileges and protections that accompany said institution, we should, as a country, stand more resolute than ever to extend those privileges and protections to all. Marriage is the foundation upon which so many of the founding principles of this nation are built. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are for all. I beseech the citizens of CA and of this great nation of ours to fight for the right of all Americans to have legal marriage.”


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The primary work of the UFCM is to proclaim the “SACREDNESS OF ALL LIFE,” thus focusing on empowering those who have been oppressed and made to feel shame. Through an emerging international network, the UFCM works to facilitate social change and improve the life chances for those who have been rejected by society’s institutions and systems. The scope of its work is inclusive and has significance for all people.