From Pennsylvania-The Supreme Court recently ruled on two same-sex marriage issues. The court ruled that the provision of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which denies federal benefits to same-sex couples, is unconstitutional. In a second opinion, the court refused to overturn a lower-court decision striking down the California marriage law, known as Proposition 8, which stated only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California, thus denying same-sex couples the right to marriage. This ruling will clear the way for same-sex marriages to resume in California. Both rulings are likely to engender a host of legal challenges in states where same-sex marriages are forbidden.
In light of these recent rulings, the Courier asked local clergy for their response to these decisions. Most referred us to statements by presiding bishops.
The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd and St. John the Evangelist
Interim rector: The Reverend Mary Ellen Dolan
Asked about the church’s view of the recent Supreme Court decisions, Revered Mary Ellen Dolan of the Church of the Good Shepherd and St. John the Evangelist said, “The Bishop [Katherine Jefferts Shori] gave a comprehensive response“ to the Supreme Court’s recent decisions on Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act. Reverend Dolan added, “We welcome the decision because we, of course, support equal rights and equal dignity of all people. The Episcopal Church has a tradition of inviting conversation on any question from all sides, so that we can live together in faith.
- See more at:
http://pikecountycourier.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130710/NEWS01/130719994/Local-clerics-react-to-same-sex-marriage-decisions#sthash.yCW6I5mO.dpuf
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