From the Office of the Moderator
Metropolitan Community Churches
For Immediate Release: 24 February 2011
MCC Celebrates Obama Administration Decision on the Defense of Marriage Act And Calls for Continued Action
Metropolitan Community Churches joins with faith leaders and Marriage Equality proponents around the United States in this time of celebration of the Obama Administration's decision to no longer defend section three of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) because it is unconstitutional. The President's determination that discrimination based on sexual orientation as it relates to marriage equality should be presumed unconstitutional brings us another step closer to marriage equality.
The President's decision did not come quickly. It came in response to countless demonstrations and calls for justice from thousands of marriage equality supporters encouraging him to move forward. It came in response to hearing the stories of couples and families, many of whom are part of Metropolitan Community Churches. The President's response stands on the foundation of MCC's activism beginning with our founder, The Reverend Elder Troy Perry, and continuing at all levels of our denomination and movement today.
"This decision did not come quickly and it will not end either debate or the numerous efforts to limit or repeal relational equality victories across the United States," said The Rev. Nancy Wilson, Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches, "but it is a giant step forward and represents a good faith effort to fulfill the promise our President made to us. Today's statement from the White House inspires me, and I pray all of MCC along with people of good will around this nation will continue to work for full marriage equality."
"This is another example of the way diverse people of faith can stand in solidarity to make a difference in the public policy arena," said MCC Marriage Equality Coordinator The Reverend Jim Merritt. "We give thanks to God, and we celebrate what President Obama has done today."
This statement prepared in conjunction with The Moderator's Global Justice Team.
Metropolitan Community Churches, The Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Chair.
