May 1, 2009 - Center, Shonda Garrison and, right, Jolie Justus hug as they confirm their wedding vows with, left, Kate Lovelady, ordained leader of the Ethical Society of St. Louis, on the bus to Iowa City. Seventeen couples from the St. Louis area came to Iowa City to get legally married in what they were calling the Show Me Marriage Equality Bus. (Emily Rasinski/P-D)

Wow.  Friday was an incredible day.  I had the honor and privilege of accompanying 17 same-sex couples with three other clergy (rabbis and a Unitarian Universalist minister) to Iowa City to solemnize their marriages.  The bus from St. Louis left at 6 am and arrived back here at 10 pm, and in-between was a day of love, vows, tears, smiles, family and friends, support from Iowans of all ages and orientations, and hope for a more compassionate future for America and humanity.  Like most clergy I do…

Since a majority of Californians passed Proposition 8, Latter-day Saints (Mormons), who make up 2% of the California’s population, have been attacked by some who are upset with the outcome.  I have Latter-day Saint family and friends in California. All can share a story of the intimidation they have experienced as a result of their support for Proposition 8.

When the attacks first occurred, Latter-day Saints were stunned as some saw their employment threatened and their places of worship vandalized. Many Latter-day Saints wondered, “where is the outrage? Will no one defend us?”

The rhetoric of anti-religious bigotry surprised many on both sides of the issue.

Some community and religious leaders are now responding.

This week, The Becket Fund, a non-profit interfaith organization that defends religious liberties, posted an ad, signed by community leaders, in the New York Times to defend the right of religious people to speak out on issues with out the fear of retribution.

See ad: click here.

Learn more at the Becket Fund website: click here.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day…

I’m not necessarily a fan of Keith Olbermann–I don’t know enough about his work–but his commentary last week in support of marriage equality and love says everything I believe, and much better than I could say it:

I have blogged about California’s Prop 8 and have appreciated the comments made. It is a deeply emotional issue to many. I respect and find interest in the views and experiences of others.

The following is what my church has published in response to the outcome of the California debate:

SALT LAKE CITY 5 November 2008 COMMENTARY
Since Proposition 8 was placed on the ballot in June of this year, the citizens of California have considered the arguments for and against same-sex marriage. After extensive debate between those of different persuasions, voters have chosen to amend the California State Constitution to state that marriage should be between a man and a woman.

Such an emotionally charged issue concerning the most personal and cherished aspects of life — family, identity, intimacy and equality —…

Catholic Conference Condemns No on Prop 8 Ad

It appears California’s emotionally debated Proposition 8 has passed to amend the California State Constitution to state that marriage should be between a man and a woman. Florida and Arizona likewise amended their constitutions.

In the eleventh hour of the debates the “No on 8″ campaign targeted the activity of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) in support of Proposition 8. They scheduled an ad to run on CNN and MSNBC that vilified the Church.

The commercial depicts two Mormon missionaries invading the home of a same-sex couple and saying “we are here to take away your rights.” They take their wedding rings, ransack the house looking for their marriage license, find it, and then tear it up. They say, “that was too easy, yeah, what should we ban next?” Then the ad says:” Fact: Members of the Mormon Church have given…

The pulpit and politics in my church – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – rarely come together. Ranking religious institutions and political involvement on a scale of one to ten, with ten being the most politically active, my church is likely to be rated a 2 or 3 on the scale.

My church affirms it’s political neutrality. However, it maintains the right to speak out on social and moral issues that affect the Church and families. And occasionally the Church encourages action.

Most recently, our church leaders are encouraging members to vote YES on Proposition 8 in California to provide a legal definition of marriage being between a man and a woman. LDS.org, the Church’s website, offers various links to discussions and information on this issue.

One point made in the discussions is the idea of the “Tyranny of Tolerance” – when tolerance is redefined to mean acceptance rather than love.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Latter-day Saint church leader, clarifies and reminds us what “tolerance” means:

“Tolerance obviously requires a non-contentious manner…