"I grew up in a Methodist church where a week never went by where any of us – six in total – missed the 8:30 contemporary service, Sunday school and on most Sundays, youth group. Sermon after sermon, hymn after hymn, we worshiped and listened to messages about one of the greatest commandments to “love your neighbor as yourself” and we were taught and encouraged to give selflessly and be a servant to others – all others. This word “all” carries great meaning. To me, it truly means all – people whom I love, people whom I have never met, people who are the same as I, people who are different than I. I never understood all to exclude anyone. Yet now, there is a chasm between the church that preaches inclusivity and acceptance and the advocates who fight for universal respect and equality. 

With so many people struggling with both internal and external or public discovery of their sexual orientation, how that can coexist with their faith, and how they are treated as second-class citizens under the law, people need to hear our prayers, yes. But more than that, I believe that people need to hear our voices. They need to hear that religion, faith, spirituality, Christianity, Christian values, can and do coexist with the values of respect and equality for all people, including our LGBT brothers and sisters. In fact, I believe it to be one of the most fundamental lessons I have learned from the Bible in my upbringing: to live without judgment and instead as a light, spreading love to others with acceptance and respect. In Equality Magazine, I read the most perfect title: The antidote to the conservative Christian right is a vocal, faithful and supportive left. Religion and faith are each completely unique to every single one of us. Perhaps as unique as the relationships we have with others, significant others or family and friends. The uniting principle that runs as a common thread throughout all of those relationships, with others, with ourselves and with our God or higher power, is love. 

Love is not something to be regulated by the government or the church. Love is something we all deserve, need and should have the freedom to express. In the last fifteen minutes, I have not spoken extensively about the freedom to marry because I don’t think that it’s the foundation of this fight. It is the product of this battle or civil rights movement. The foundation is in respect, dignity and true equality for all people. The foundation is built upon morals and values, whether driven by your teachings of Jesus or teachings of mom and dad, that are inclusive and respectful of all people. When we can tread fearlessly on this foundation, that freedom to marry will naturally become accepted. We can't just change laws. We have to change people’s hearts and minds through personal testimony and example so that we can all coexist equally in the eyes of each other that will finally reflect the lens through which God sees all of His children."