It's Time for Marriage Equality: Naperville Pastor

I am the pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ, founded in Naperville in 1833. We are one of the oldest in town, and the oldest Congregational church in northern Illinois.

We are a diverse church. We don't all agree with each other on certain aspects of doctrine. How have we survived for 180 years? We’ve survived because we covenant to respect one another in spite of our differences.  

Our state is close to passing a law that will legalize same sex marriage. I realize that some readers of the Naperville Patch are upset by this possibility. But what makes my church work is the same thing that can make our state work - a respect for one another’s differences. The passage of marriage equality will enrich the diversity of our state by affirming the importance and the value of all of our families.  

I understand that some of my sisters and brothers, both within Christianity and in other traditions, do not agree with me on this issue. But the law before the Illinois House protects their right to disagree. The law as it stands currently does not allow people of faith who support marriage equality to freely exercise our religious beliefs.  

The strength of our community in Naperville, and the state of Illinois, is our rich diversity. I am privileged to have friends from different national and religious backgrounds. I honor and respect their freedom to worship according to their conscience, even if their traditions differ from mine. This diversity is why marriage equality is so important. Simply put, this law will protect and promote the rich diversity of our state.  

Just like my church, we as a community can survive and thrive well into the future, not by limiting each others rights, but by learning to respect and honor each other’s differences.

Rev. Mark Winters
First Congregational UCC Naperville