Call for New National Debate on Marriage Offers Framework for Civil Conversation

A Call to a New National Discussion on Marriage from President of national Interfaith Alliance

Rev. Welton Gaddy, President of Interfaith Alliance calls on American to have a new kind of national debate about marriage, one in which we find a way for people with contradictory beliefs, religions, values and opinions to live together without violating the basic nature of our democracy. Gaddy also holds up Iowa marriage ruling as a perfect example of civil marriage offered to all couples by the government and religious marriage offered by houses of worship only to those couples whose relationship a house of worship wants to bless.

Click here to read and download his entire article. or go to: http://www.interfaithalliance.org/equality/read

Hard copies of the green paper are also available from the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Office by contacting us at: (515)279-8715 or info@InterfaithAllianceIowa.org

Thanks Welton for this call to civil conversation.
Thanks Iowa for providing a path for the nation to protecting both Faith and Freedom.


Gaddy’s Call to Conversation Receives National Attention

National Interfaith Alliance paper on marriage sparks debate among national faith leaders about the nature of marriage and the relationship between religion and government. Questions considered include: What is marriage? Is it a sacred rite or a civil right? What role, if any, should religious institutions, traditions or beliefs have in the legal act of marriage?

Click here to check out the conversation here or go to http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/2009/07/marriage_sacred_rite_or_civil/all.html

High Court Rules Marriage is a Right for all Iowans!

For Release April 3, 2009

High Court Rules Marriage is a Right for all Iowans!

Supreme Court makes landmark decision to expand equal marriage rights to committed gay and lesbian couples.

Today the Iowa Supreme Court ruled in Varnum v. Brien that gay and lesbian couples deserve the same recognition and protection provided to other families under the law. "The Court's ruling shows Iowa is a place that celebrates fairness and equality for all Iowans," said Connie Ryan Terrell, executive director of Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, an organization which works to protect both faith and freedom. "It upholds the spirit of Iowa's constitution which clearly states each of us has the right to equal protection and recognition under the law."

"Today we are reminded that civil marriage is about commitment and responsibilities which are protected by law," said Rev. Matt Mardis-LeCroy, Board Chairperson of Interfaith Alliance of Iowa and minister at Plymouth Congregational Church in Des Moines. "We, along with many people of faith and goodwill across Iowa, celebrate the court's decision, which acknowledges the inherent worth of gay and lesbian families in our state."

"This opinion recognizes the important boundaries between the legal requirements for the civil institution of marriage and the theological requirements for the religious institution of marriage," stated Rev. C. Welton Gaddy, President of the national office of the Interfaith Alliance. "We believe this decision strengthens religious freedom because it leaves the choice over performing same-gender marriages with each house of worship to decide for itself. It strengthens civil rights by granting equal right for all citizens. Our organization stands for faith and freedom, and this opinion reflects both values."

Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, unites diverse voices to champion religious freedom and respect for individual rights. We recognize that there is a broad diversity of opinion among people of faith about marriage equality, including many who are undecided. Interfaith Alliance of Iowa equips those who support marriage equality to be strong advocates. We will continue to work to ensure that all couples, regardless of sexual orientation, have access to the rights and responsibilities of civil marriage, to care for their families and contribute even more successfully to their communities.

NAACP board chair Julian Bond, speaks at HRC dinner

Check out this video of Julian Bond, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) board chair and long time civil rights activist, speaking at the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) dinner in Los Angeles on March 14th. With precision and occasional humor, Bond speaks to marriage equality as a civil rights issue and to some of the religious issues involved in making marriage equality a reality.

Oscar speech by screen writer for the movie Milk.

Check out this Oscar speech by the screen writer for the movie Milk. He reminds lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender people that they too are beautiful children of God.

Welcome to Faithful Voices

Welcome to Faithful Voices, Iowans of faith and goodwill working for marriage equality in Iowa. We are working to ensure that all couples, regardless of sexual orientation, have access to the rights and responsibilities of civil marriage, to take care of their family and contribute even more successfully to their communities. We come from many faith traditions and beliefs. We are clergy and laity, gay and straight who, from our faith and sense of justice and compassion, are compelled to work for civil equality for Iowa families headed by gay and lesbian couples.

As a project of Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, we unite diverse voices to champion religious freedom and respect for individual rights. Given it is the name of religion that is most often invoked by the vocal opponents of marriage equality, people of faith who support marriage equality have a particular responsibility and opportunity in helping make marriage equality a reality in Iowa. We recognize that there is a broad diversity of opinion among people of faith about marriage equality, including many who are undecided. Faithful Voices equips those who support marriage equality to be strong advocates and offers resources for those who need more information.

We invite you to join us. Add your faithful voice for equality.