Ia. Church group backs gay marriage

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20100617/NEWS01/706179826/1009#church-group-backs-gay-marriage

Published Thursday June 17, 2010

By Tim Johnson and AND Tim Rohwer WORLD-HERALD NEWS SERVICE

COUNCIL BLUFFS -- A group of religious officials is advocating for what it calls "marriage equality."

Interfaith Alliance of Iowa distributed a letter to Iowa legislators in February asking them to uphold the right of same-sex couples to marry in Iowa. Now, alliance members are working to inform the public of the reasons behind their position and make it clear that not all Christians agree on the issue.

"As clergy, we stand together in support of civil marriage equality for all families," the letter stated. "We ask for your support of civil marriage equality and ask that you oppose any resolution or attempt to diminish the marriage rights of Iowa's families."

A long list of active and retired clergy and officials associated with church-affiliated colleges and organizations signed the letter.

"Some denominations are not supportive, so it's very courageous for these people to come out and say they support it," said Connie Ryan Terrell, executive director. "For us as an organization, marriage equality is - you're talking about civil rights and separating religious beliefs from civil law," she said. "We're supportive of marriage equality and believe that's a civil right that all adults should have."

FULL story at link.

[joeybee12]

1. Good...n.t KNR