Thursday, June 27, 2013

From the Bishops of CT - on DOMA & VRA

Statement of the Bishops of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut on the Supreme Court Decisions on DOMA and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

We give thanks for the recognition of state and federal law enacted by the Supreme Court's decision to strike down provisions of the Defense of Marriage Act.  In Connecticut that means that all married couples will have the same status before the law.  This is a move forward for equal justice for all and the civil rights of gay and lesbian people. We give thanks for the marriages of our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters, and the voice of General Convention offering rites of blessing for their love. 

At the same time, we grieve the decision of the Supreme Court regarding  
Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and will continue to strive for all citizens to have just access to the full right to vote and to be equitably represented in state and federal legislatures. 

We commit ourselves to God's reconciling love and the ministry of listening to and caring for all God's children as we work for justice and peace.
 
The Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas, Bishop Diocesan
The Rt. Rev. James E. Curry, Bishop Suffragan
The Rt. Rev. Laura J. Ahrens, Bishop Suffragan 

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