Message from our Acting Conference Minister, Rev. Wanda Craner: April 30, 2014 Dear Colleague in Ministry On Monday, April 28, the United Church of Christ (as authorized by the United Church of Christ Board acting as General Synod ad interim) filed suit in the US District Court in Charlotte, North Carolina, alleging that the North Carolina constitution and other marriage laws of the state limit ministers choices thereby restricting the freedom of religious expression guaranteed in the First Amendment to the US Constitution. Restrictive marriage laws across the country have been challenged in many courts on the basis of the 14th Amendments guarantee of equal protection. This is believed to be the first challenge to restrictive marriage laws based on the First Amendment. What is imperative to understand is that the action of the United Church of Christ is first and foremost about our freedom of religion. It is possible that this action will be reported in the national news media, and I want you to be informed of that possibility. I also wanted to make you aware of this suit so that you can share accurate information with those in your congregations and communities as the need arises. Please consult: ucc.org/ido for additional information. And may all of us keep the United Church of Christ in our prayers in these days, and particularly our sisters and brothers in North Carolina (Southern Conference). May God strengthen our witness and invigorate our ministries! God’s Peace to You! Rev. Wanda D. Craner Acting Conference Minister, PSEC
Posted on: Wed, 30 Apr 2014 18:45:02 +0000
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