National Religious Leadership Roundtable applauds Washington National Cathedral announcement that it will celebrate weddings of same-sex couples

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 — The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s National Religious Leadership Roundtable applauds the announcement today by the Washington National Cathedral that it will celebrate the weddings of same-sex couples. The cathedral, part of the Episcopal Church, is among the most prominent churches in the nation.

Statement by the Rev. Rebecca Voelkel, Faith Work Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

“In many ways, the Washington National Cathedral has been our nation’s cathedral — creating sanctuary for some of the most important religious gatherings we’ve witnessed. In my own life, this has also been true. I have sought the sanctuary of the Washington National Cathedral for spiritual retreats, multi-faith services — including during the International AIDS Conference this past summer — for the installation of the Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson as moderator of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, and many others. And it has been both a holy and prophetic space, offering care, soothing in my grief and challenge to those things that needed to change in me.

“So it is with deep joy that I learn of the Washington National Cathedral’s decision to marry same-sex couples within its walls. It strikes me as completely in keeping with its values, commitments and witness. As a pastor and a fellow Christian, I stand with my colleagues to applaud the Washington National Cathedral for continuing to offer sanctuary and prophetic witness to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community and to the world. Thanks be to God!”

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The National Religious Leadership Roundtable (NRLR), convened by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, is an interfaith network of leaders from pro-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) faith, spiritual and religious organizations. We work in partnership with other groups to promote understanding of and respect for LGBT people within society at large and in communities of faith. We promote understanding and respect within LGBT communities for a variety of faith paths and for religious liberty, and to achieve commonly held goals that promote equality, spirituality and justice.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force builds the power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community from the ground up. The Task Force is the country’s premier social justice organization fighting to improve the lives of LGBT people and working to create positive, lasting change and opportunity for all. The Task Force is a 501(c)(3) corporation incorporated in Washington, D.C. Contributions to the Task Force are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. © 2013, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, 1325 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 600, Washington, D.C., 20005. Phone 202.393.5177. TTY 202.393.2284. theTaskForce@theTaskForce.org

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