Protect the Freedom to Marry

The Council of Churches of Santa Clara County has long advocated for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members and friends. As "practicing" Christians, we support faithful, responsible and loving relationships. Thus we celebrate the new acknowledgment in California of the constitutional right of all people to the freedom to marry. We understand this as a sign of true family values.

The Council is working on a campaign to be a voice of true Christian family values - love, respect, faithfulness. The campaign will include ads in local media, a free traveling workshop, a public forum, and more. But WE NEED YOUR HELP! We need your time, ideas, and financial donations. To join us in this effort call the council office at 408-297-2660, email council@councilofchurches-scc.org, and donate online by clicking on "Donate" in the left side panel of this page.

The exact wording and timing of the local ads are yet to be decided. They will include the names, addresses and websites of local churches that wish to be listed and are able to contribute toward this project. For more information, or to be involved in the drafting and designing of the ad, please contact the Council at 408-297-2660 or council@councilofchurches-scc.org.

To help us prepare to talk about these issues, the Council is offering a free workshop on "How to Talk about the Freedom to Marry." Led by the Rev. Michael Ellard, pastor at the Metropolitan Community Church of San Jose, this is a traveling workshop - willing to come to YOUR church and community, if you provide at least 15 participants. To learn more, please e-mail Rev. Mike Ellard at RevMikeEllard@mccsj.org or call him at (408) 279-2711 ext. 2.

Finally, we are confirming plans for at least one public forum in San Jose with Bible study, stories from our lesbian and gay sisters and brothers, a time for questions, and an atmosphere of safety and respect. If you'd like to host (provide space, publicize and promote) such a forum in your community, we can arrange for speakers, both gay and straight, clergy and lay.

Note: the photo used in this article is by Jeff Belmonte and is used under the Creative Commons Atribution 2.0 license.