11/07/2011 – by Cynthia Wright
With marriage equality being such a hot-button issue even in the more liberal areas of DC and Maryland, it is refreshing to hear that even those that many would be deem conservative on such issues, have come out in support for marriage equality. Several pastors from both the Washington D.C. and Maryland areas have spoken on the record about their beliefs that every human having the right to get married – sexual orientation should have nothing to do with it.
Leaders such as Rev. Dennis Wiley, a Maryland resident and pastor of Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ in D.C., has spoken out about all commuted couples being able to share in marital blessings, while advocates such as Rev. Dorothy Harris, pastor of Unity Fellowship Church of Columbia, and Pastor Larry Brumfield with Westminster’s Church of the Brethren have also expressed their solidarity among similar beliefs.
Being that the LGBT community has often been on the opposite ends of the spectrum when it came to the black church, having leaders within prominent churches addressing the LGBT lifestyle positively is one step in the right direction – even though we have a long way to go.
At the end of the day, God taught us that love is love – how it is packaged should not be a requirement or a way to show its validity.
Along similar lines, notable black politicians and entertainers have recently come out voicing their feelings about LGBT equality by supporting the Human Rights Campaign. Several videos have been shot featuring statements from NAACP Chairman Emeritus Julian Bond, Newark Mayor Cory Booker and Oscar-winning actress Mo’Nique.