A nationwide network of Unitarian Universalist (UU) churches are on a mission to marry 51 same-sex couples in 48 hours on July 11 and 12, with three of the participating churches located in Texas.
Per its website, Unitarian Universalists hold “many beliefs and backgrounds: people with a religious background, people with none, people who believe in a God, people who don’t, and people who let the mystery be.” The site says “people of all sexual orientations and gender identities” compose the church.
Unitarian Universalist Association President Peter Morales issued the following statement after the Supreme Court decision on marriage equality:
Unitarian Universalists have been vocal supporters of equal rights for LGBTQ individuals for decades. In 1996, the UUA passed a resolution in support of the right to marry for same-sex couples, the first religious denomination to do so. We have been party to amicus briefs in all the major freedom to marry court cases, including Obergefell v. Hodges. I am grateful for the unwavering dedication and commitment by Unitarian Universalists in support of marriage equality.
In celebration of this historic victory for equal rights, selected Unitarian Universalist ministers and congregations will offer free weddings for same-sex couples nationwide.
Marriage equality illustrates that love has no boundaries. And while today we celebrate this victory in the name of love, tomorrow we rededicate ourselves to achieving full legal protection for LGBTQ people in all spheres of our society.”
Upon the Supreme Court ruling same-sex marriage as “the law of the land,” churches such as Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church in Cedar Park and First Unitarian Church of Dallas had already hosted free, open ceremonies marrying couples of the same gender.
UUs responded in a celebratory fashion to the decision and started #justmarriage, which offers free same-sex weddings at UU affiliated churches across the nation.
According to the UU website, Houston Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church, Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, and the First Unitarian Church of Dallas will be the three Texas UU churches involved with the event.
The webpage also clarifies “free wedding,” which means minister services and space needed for the ceremony. Decorations, invitations, clothes, and other wedding formalities aren’t included. However, the participating churches offer full-fledged, free weddings.
The First Unitarian Church of Dallas aims to hold an engagement party before the weekend festivities on July 10, where cake, food, and music is going to be offered.
Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship offers a photographer, cupcakes, and other refreshments for the weekend, according to its website.
Houston Emerson looks to hold a similarly styled event, providing flowers, cake, music, and photos.
Follow Cassi Pollock on Twitter @cassi_pollock .
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