Clergy condemn call to ban gay marriage

Julie Poppen, Rocky Mountain News

Monday, September 25, 2006

Rev. Michael Morran on Sunday used a makeshift pulpit in front of the state Capitol to condemn a constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage.

Standing in front of a sign reading, "People of Faith Standing on the Side of Love," with flowers strewn at his feet, Morran joined other clergy in denouncing Amendment 43 on November's ballot.

"I believe homophobia, and not homosexuality, is the sin," said Morran, minister of the First Unitarian Society of Denver. "Marry 'em all; let God sort it out."

Colorado Clergy for Equality in Marriage and The Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, sponsors of the small rally, represent about 125 clergy, organizers said.

"Love is a sacred institution, Morran said. "It falls under the purview of communities of faith, not the government."

Rev. Phil Campbell, founder of the Colorado Clergy for Equality in Marriage and director of ministry studies at Iliff School of Theology, said constitutions are written to give and protect rights, not take them away.

Furthermore, he said, blocking someone else's legal protections does not strengthen marriage, prevent divorce or protect children.

Lisa Moreno, spokeswoman for a new political committee called Don't Mess with Marriage, noted that the amendment is unnecessary because state law already limits marriage to a relationship between a man and a woman.

"Amendment 43 is unnecessary and completely redundant. It will clutter and contaminate our constitution," she said.

The ballot measure also diverts attention away from pressing issues such as education and health care, Moreno said.

Don't Mess with Marriage plans to open an office in Boulder this week. Despite a late start, the organization plans to target voters electronically and hold awareness and fundraising events, Moreno said.

The coalition behind the rally includes representatives from the American Baptist Church, Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Presbyterian Church, Reform Judaism, United Church of Christ and United Methodist Church.

Many at the midday rally were also in support of Referendum I, a separate ballot issue that would allow gay couples to register as domestic partners and assume many of the rights and responsibilities associated with marriage.