Yesterday local DC pastor Rev. Dennis Wiley, who represented the pro-marriage equality stance at the panel of Ward 8 Democrats who voted to approve a resolution supporting marriage equality in May, introduced a new pro-marriage equality organization made up of local clergy.
The clergy, who have formed a group called D.C. Clergy United for Marriage and Equality, plan to challenge the efforts of a more conservative group of pastors who are pushing for a referendum on same-sex marriage. Last month, the D.C. Council voted to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states, and some council members plan to introduce a bill to allow the marriages to be performed in the District. Some members of Congress have said they will attempt to block same-sex marriage from becoming legal in the District.
Until now, the voice of local clergy being heard was largely in opposition. Supporters of gay marriage will be getting some much needed support from local religious leaders, meaning that those opposed to gay marriage won't have a monopoly on voices from the pulpit.
-- A. Serwer
