Marriage Rights for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Persons – A Resolution
Whereas, sexuality and gender identity are intrinsic to the human experience and part of God's good creation (Gen. 1: 26-31); and
Whereas, the tradition of Scripture evolved from a time-bound emphasis on ritual separation to a timeless vision of spiritual inclusiveness, "for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3: 28); and
Whereas, the love of God taught by Jesus Christ cannot be separated from the love for and ethical treatment of other human beings (Matt. 22: 40); and
Whereas, human beings were created to live in community with one another and to desire a companion for their life's journey (Gen. 2: 18); and
Whereas, the teachings of Jesus recorded in Scripture make no mention of homosexuality but condemn injustice and oppression; and
Whereas, the U.S. Supreme Court has declared marriage restrictions unjust and discriminatory by overturning laws prohibiting interracial couples (1967, Loving v. Virginia) and prisoners (1987, Turner v. Safley) from marrying, declaring that marriage was a "personal vital right" and that the freedom to marry belongs to all citizens; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that we, the Albany Confessing Clergy, do:
- Affirm the sacred wholeness of each human being and recognize a plurality of human sexualities - intersexuality, transsexuality, asexuality, bisexuality, homosexuality and heterosexuality - as part of the created order;
- Affirm all members of the human community and acknowledge sexual orientation and gender identity as gifts from God;
- Honor all persons as diverse parts of a unified creation;
- Celebrate committed adult relationships as one means for experiencing the the spirit of love that suffuses God's creation;
- Recognize the same ethical standards of mutuality, fidelity and loving intimacy to apply equally in all adult relationships, regardless of the gender of the partners.
Further, we call on people of faith and the state legislators of New York to:
- Condemn as both sinful and unjust all acts of discrimination, violence and abuse against all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons;
- Recognize the spiritual gifts and legal rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons and work for their full inclusion in the life of the church and the secular community;
- Recognize gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons as citizens possessing the same rights as their heterosexual brothers and sisters, including the right to marriage and to receive the legal benefits and protections accorded married citizens of the United States of America.