Pastors Endorse Same Sex Marriage

As the November election draws closer, campaigns for the referendum questions on Maryland’s ballot are heating up. Today, a coalition of African American clergy from across the country gathered in Washington to support the same sex marriage question. WYPR’s Joel McCord was there and has this report.

Joel McCord: The clergy at the National Press Club ranged from civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton to Rev. Amos Brown, a former student of Martin Luther King Jr. Rev. Delman Coates, pastor of Mt. Ennon Baptist Church in Prince George’s County, the organizer, said clergy who preach against the same sex marriage question mix public policy with religion.

Delman Coates: In America our public policy decisions should not be governed by the religious views and theological presuppositions of any denomination, house of worship or faith leader.

McCord: The leaders today focused on same sex marriage as a civil rights issue. But others have argued it’s not the same thing. Sharpton said they’re wrong.

Al Sharpton: You cannot be a part time civil rights activist. You cannot be for civil rights for African Americans, but not for gays and lesbians.

McCord: The clergy joined the national NAACP in endorsing the referendum. I’m Joel McCord, reporting in Washington for 88.1, WYPR.