Door Opens for Full LGBT Equality
U.S. Congress Votes to End "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
Just days ago, in the face of a failed Congressional vote, people of good will across this land, and allies across the globe, pledged to carry on the battle to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" {DADT}, a 17-year ban preventing lesbians and gay men from serving openly in any branch of the U.S. military.
Today our fight is ended, our prayers for justice answered, our acts of civil disobedience and marches for equality honored. On the heels of the December 15th House of Representatives vote to end the ban, the United States Senate has followed suite. Now, all that remains if securing the President's signature.
I salute all those who have fought bravely on the front lines of inequity and discrimination, whether here or abroad, defending a vision of equality and justice for all that was denied them. And, I pledge myself to remembering that victory will not be complete until our trans brothers and sisters, too, are accorded the right to serve openly and honestly.
I know as I write this that many other issues of equality remain unresolved, and that many, many lives continue to be impacted by the 2nd class citizenship accorded LGBT people in the land I call home.
Today as I celebrate this great victory --- the repeal of DADT --- I make this pledge: Metropolitan Community Churches will continue its witness for full equality for all God's people, including every gay man, every lesbian, every bisexual and transgender Child of God.
The day of marriage equality will come. The day of equality in employment and education and housing and health care will come. I know this because I have seen, in this battle, what courage and conviction and perseverance can do.
Today I say thank you to all the Dan Chois and Robin McGehees and James Pietrangelos, all the Robert Griffins and Lea Browns who fought the good fight, and pray that we may all emulate their dedication and faithfulness in all the battles that remain.
The real meaning of today's victory lies in the path it paves for full equality for all of us. In this Season of Advent, let us not only rejoice and glad, but join in preparing the way for a future of full equality on all fronts!
Grace and Peace,
+Nancy
The Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, Moderator
Metropolitan Community Churches
This statement prepared in conjunction with The Moderator's Global Justice Team,
The Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Chair.
