Statement on the Supreme Court Same Sex Marriage Ruling

by | Jun 27, 2015

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde released this statement in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling yesterday in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges, which made same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states:

My joy at the Supreme Court’s ruling that marriage equality is now the law of the land is tempered by the memory of all those who did not live to see this day. As Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote, “No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family.” I give thanks to God for the gay and lesbian couples whose embodiment of those ideals– in the face of prejudice, discrimination and violence, often justified in the name of God–has been an inspiration to us all. We have also struggled long and hard in the church for marriage equality, and full recognition of our LBGT members. I give thanks for those who stayed true to the struggle for justice in church and society when this day seemed a far off dream. May this ruling encourage us to stay the course for justice in other realms where our efforts are still urgently needed.