The mission of Unitarian Universalists Out for Marriage Equality (UUO4M) is to achieve marriage equality for LGBTQ people in Minnesota by:
Forming alliances with interfaith and secular organizations that share the same goal,
Raising awareness about how our governments and our communities deny justice to our LGBTQ families,
Articulating a powerful moral public policy, grounded in Unitarian Universalist faith beliefs, and
Mobilizing action intended to create lasting and just treatment of LGBTQ relationships.
Join with other UUs around Minnesota as we work for marriage equality! We have a strong history of action, including working extensively to organize UUs to oppose the 2006 "Marriage Amendment" campaign. We are organizing now to educate and mobilize UUs to oppose the 2012 anti-marriage amendment that is headed to the ballot. UUO4M works closely with allies including OutFront Minnesota and the People of Faith organizing table of OutFront.
Why Marriage Matters: UU training on messaging and story
Monday, February 13th, 6:30-8:30pm
First Unitarian Society, 900 Mt Curve, Minneapolis
The national conversation about marriage and same-sex relationships has arrived in Minnesota. This November, voters will decide if discrimination should be written into our state constitution. Come hear Ralph Wyman, Director and Organizer for the Minnesota UU Social Justice Alliance, present a short, accessible training on how best to talk about why marriage matters to LGBT Minnesotans – and to us all. We’ll explore ways to move conversations in helpful directions, and have time to practice together.
This is an open event for all UUs. RSVPs helpful but not required. Thank you to FUS Social Action for providing space and refreshments. For more info contact us.
Next Team Leaders Meeting:
Sunday, February 26th, 2012, 6:30 - 8:00pm
First Universalist Church, 3400 Dupont Ave, Minneapolis; and by web-conference
Faith Community Organizing on the Amendment!
Over 550 people gathered at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church on Monday, September 19th to help people of faith become a central part of the campaign to oppose the anti-marriage amendment. People of faith are at the center of the work for equality.
Rooted in the sacred nature of all people, the Faith Organizing Community is an inclusive, expansive, multi-faith coalition committed to inspire, educate, organize and mobilize people of faith to achieve justice for all people. Our call to action arises from—but is not limited to—the movement to win freedom for all loving couples to marry in Minnesota. UUs are actively engaged in the Faith Organizing Community!
We believe that:
• Marriage matters to gay people in similar ways that it matters to everyone.
• Gay and lesbian couples want to get married to make a lifetime commitment to the person they love, and to protect their families.
Your UU congregation can get involved! Start by e-mailing us to let us know you want to connect with other UUs in Minnesota who are working on LGBTQA equity. MUUSJA's working group is here to provide connecting and supporting information. In the weeks and months ahead, we will be convening gatherings of congregational leaders interested in:
• Trainings and education 1996 UU General Assembly resolution supporting same-sex marriage
• Congregational and Ministerial resolutions against discrimination
• Sanctuary and spiritual support
• Services/sermons (see below for two sermon texts)
• Pride events across Minnesota
• Intentional conversations with the movable middle: friends, family and co-workers who may not know where they stand
• Establishing a Standing on the Side of Love: Minnesota t-shirt ordering campaign
• Supporting youth efforts
For a little inspiration watch these UUs in action!
Video from Freedom to Marry Rally Thursday, February 10, 2011
I Do support love. I Do defend faith. I Do promote marriage.
Reverend David Breeden from the UU Fellowship of Bloomington spoke, as did the RE class from the UU Church of Minnetonka! UUs were there from White Bear, Minnetonka, Bloomington, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and more. You can see photos from the day at our Facebook photo album (need not be a Facebook member to view).
2009: UUs and other clergy call for marriage equality in Minnesota
Outfront Minnesota's People of Faith Allies held a press conference at the Minnesota State Capitol on October 8, 2009 in which many clergy and faith leaders "came out" for marriage equality. UU Revs Victoria Saffford and Rob Eller-Isaacs were among the many speakers.
is to achieve marriage equality for LGBTQ people in Minnesota by:
to help people of faith become a central part of the campaign to oppose the anti-marriage amendment. People of faith are at the center of the work for equality.
