PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A coalition of more than 100 clergy and 13 denominations reaffirmed its support for same-sex marriage Monday, saying "all loving, committed couples should be recognized, respected and treated equally under the law."
With state lawmakers expected to take up matching House and Senate bills that would legalize same-sex marriage, the coalition will be active in helping to "lead the fight to win marriage equality," said the Rev. Gene Dyszlewski, chairman of the Rhode Island Religious Coalition for Marriage Equality.
The coalition's statement came after publication of a column by Roman Catholic Bishop Thomas J. Tobin that urges state lawmakers to reject same-sex marriage legislation.
Dyszlewski said, "Faith organizations that do not affirm same-sex relationships will in no way be required to do so when this bill becomes law. However, for those of us who do lead welcoming and affirming faiths, it will finally remove a long-standing obstacle to our pastoral care."