Is your state on the list?

“… as a Unitarian Universalist minister, I joyfully celebrate a victory for love. And I pray that this joy may open our hearts to the continued fight for dignity for all Missourians and all people.”

Last week, I wrote a column for my local newspaper, The Missourian, about my delight at the Supreme Court’s ruling which allows for federal recognition of same sex marriage and about how that joy has galvanized me toward all the work that still remains.

People of faith have been supporting same sex marriages for decades, including members of my denomination, Unitarian Universalism. The impact of this positive ruling will be life changing for many same sex couples. Especially in a conservative state like Missouri, having their marriage affirmed and receiving the legal and financial benefits equal marriage provides has been a deeply emotional as well as practical victory for couples in my congregation and in my community. We have been waiting and working a long time for this. Some had begun to despair that this day would ever come to our state. And so this particular victory for love is a sweet one.

The best way to celebrate I can think of is: free weddings!

I’m joining congregations, ministers, and celebrants who are celebrating with #justmarriage: a weekend of free same sex weddings around the United States.

Will you join me in offering free same sex weddings in your community?

While we continue to commit ourselves to addressing the many challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals, we celebrate that legally recognized marriage offers enormous protections and benefits in addition to public validation for many same sex couples.

For our ministers, celebrants, and congregations, offering same sex weddings means taking a public stand for our first principle, affirmation of the inherent worth and dignity of every person. In the words of UU minister Rev. Scott W. Alexander, same sex marriages and unions are “a bold, even revolutionary act” in many parts of the country. Certainly they are here.
Love has no boundaries. As we rededicate ourselves to that Love and to freedom for all people, we celebrate #justmarriage for all that it brings. I am honored to be a part of the thousands of weddings that are happening around the country. Join me in offering free same sex weddings on July 11 and 12, and same sex couples, visit www.uua.org/justmarriage to see if there’s a minister in your community offering free weddings.

Yours in faith and in celebration,

Rev. Molly Housh Gordon
Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbia, Missouri