Washington National Cathedral Applauds Supreme Court Ruling on Same–Sex Marriage
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the landmark Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide on Friday, June 26, the Very Rev. Gary Hall, dean of Washington National Cathedral, released the following statement:
“Today’s Supreme Court’s decision is a momentous step forward in the long journey towards marriage equality. Nevertheless, we in the faith community have much work yet to do as we seek to end all discrimination against the LGBT community in America and the world.
“My faith has led me to understand that both same-sex and heterosexual couples are equal in the eyes of God and deserve all the same rights and privileges. Today’s decision puts the court on the right side of history and assures that LGBT couples will enjoy the same protections that straight couples do. All are now equal before God and the law of our land.
“Those who claim that same-sex marriage threatens the sanctity of heterosexual marriage neglect the history of the institution’s evolution both within the scriptures and over time. Sexual orientation is an essential component of human identity, and God loves and accepts all people made in God’s image.”
Washington National Cathedral will celebrate the Supreme Court ruling with a special service at 7:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 30th.
Rev. Hall and Washington National Cathedral have long been outspoken advocates for the LGBT community. In January 2013, the institution announced it would welcome same-sex weddings within the building. Later that year, the building served as the location for the East Coast premiere of “Matthew Shepherd is a Friend of Mine,” a documentary film whose titular focus was the victim of an anti-gay hate crime. The Cathedral has also invited openly gay, lesbian and transgender clergy to lead religious services and deliver guest sermons.
Two years ago, Rev. Hall gained national attention when he proclaimed, “Homophobia is a sin” from the Cathedral’s Canterbury pulpit. Rev. Hall also spoke on the Supreme Court steps in favor of marriage equality during oral arguments for both DOMA and Obergefell v. Hodges.