I think the world needs more loving relationships.

Yes, 1,800 people gathered from all walks of faith to support GLBT families. We also stood up to support the Constitution of the United States as it was written, and inclusion and equality for ALL Minnesotans.

I believe it’s wrong to use minority groups as leverage for political gain. The issue of equal marriage rights and whether a ban on equal marriage rights ought to be in the state constitution is not an issue that should be decided or even fought as a matter of religious faith. The question of what ought to be in the state constitution or in statutes is a civil matter.

I’ve heard very caring Minnesotans say that this whole marriage amendment is ridiculous. Yes, it is a shame we waste our precious legislative time and energy focusing on this issue vs. homelessness, ending the war in Iraq, insuring quality education for all, mitigating the effects of poverty in our communities and decreasing the unemployment rate. But, folks… this is a very real issue for the ‘least of your brother/sister’. Frankly, it’s devastating to those who are being discriminated against.

Have you ever felt what it’s like to have a minister call your children called ‘unclean’? Have you ever felt what it’s like to have people say your committed and loving partnership of 21 years is morally reprehensible? Have you ever had to worry that your child and family will never have the rights afforded to the majority of the nation, and that you will be treated as second class citizens, and possibly harassed, assaulted or worse because of whom you love? This is what it’s like for many same-gender families in our communities.

There was a wonderful spirit at the Capitol. It was a spirit of love and justice! God’s love was palpable. Over 1,800 people attended a rally at the State Capitol hosted by OutFront Minnesota and the Faith, Family, Fairness Alliance to show Minnesota that fairness and human dignity are tenets of many faith traditions. Together, we showed legislators and all those pushing for a constitutional amendment that would ban legal recognition for same-gender couples that using religion as a weapon is not considered acceptable for many in the faith community. To read more about the rally, check out the press coverage links below.  Also, visit www.outfront.org.

People of Faith: Don’t let the voices of the dominant forces evoke fear and confusion, and don’t let tiresome tactics steer you to vote for discrimination. It’s a strategy… to wear you down, to tire you out, to confuse you and to motivate you through fear. To get involved with other faith alliances, contact the: Faith, Family, and Fairness Alliance at: www.faithfamilyfairness.org/FFFA/Faith.htm.

Some featured speakers at the People of Faith Rally included:

• Rabbi Aaron Brusso, a rabbi at Adath Jeshurun Congregation which is affiliated with the Conservative movement. He is chair of the Minnesota Rabbinical Association and a board member of the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition. He is married and has three children.
• Rev. Doug Donley, pastor at University Baptist Church. A straight ally who has been married for 14 years, Rev. Donley was denied ordination twice because he wouldn't say homosexuality is a sin. Along with four other religious leaders, Rev. Donley received the 2005 Breaking the Silence Award at the University of Minnesota for his work to end discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Rev. Elizabeth Macauley, of Richfield United Methodist Church. Rev. Macauley is ordained an United Methodist serving as Lead Pastor at Richfield United Methodist Church in South Minneapolis. Her husband is the Rev. Cooper Wiggen of Minnehaha UMC. In Duluth, she created the interfaith Opening Our Doors Conference and Movement which encourages communities of faith to practice full inclusion of GLBT persons.
• Ralph Wyman, of the Faith Family Fairness Alliance
• Ann DeGroot, Executive Director of OutFront Minnesota

  and

  Mary Sue Hansen has been a parishioner of St. Joan of Arc for over 11 years. She lives in St. Paul and treks over to S. Mpls every Sunday Morning for 9 o'clock mass, community and spiritual renewal. She lives and breathes community, loves children, and believes strongly in the power of collective learning and action. She is the Director of a collaborative community working to improve protective factors for children in Suburban Ramsey County.

• And many, many more…

More Coverage of the Rally: We have no guarantees on how long these links will be good. KARE 11 story includes video Willmar's WestCentral Tribune quoted our author in some versions of their story Minneapolis StarTribune St. Paul Pioneer Press OutFront Minnesota's story