Religious Affirmation of Marriage Equality

Download PDF Version of the Petition: Religious affirmation of marriage equality.   (You will need Adobe Acrobat to view it.  If you do not have Adobe Acrobat you may download it for free here.)

Petition Text:

WE THE UNDERSIGNED, MEMBERS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE FAITH COMMUNITIES, DECLARE OUR COMMITMENT TO MARRIAGE, OUR OWN AND OTHERS. The most fundamental of human rights is the right to love and form a family. We are people of faith who believe in the institution of marriage and believe that our faith calls us to support allowing gay and lesbian couples to participate in the rights and responsibilities of legal marriage.

We respect the fact that the debate and discussion continue in many of our religious communities as to the theological and liturgical issues involved. However, we draw on our many faith traditions to arrive at a common conviction: we are resolved that the State may not favor the convictions of one religious group over another to deny individuals their fundamental rights.

We see the inclusion of gay and lesbian couples as recognition of the underlying values of marriage as an institution. We categorically oppose a Constitutional Amendment that creates a second class status for any group of citizens.

As members of communities of faith, we commit ourselves to public action, visibility, education and mutual support in the service of the right and freedom to marry. We sign below with joyful affirming support for those who wish to make such a lifetime commitment.

For more information on getting involved in faith-based marriage equality, e-mail David Weber.