Religious leaders speak for marriage equality

Rev. Brenda Lee. Photo by Tracy Baim
Rev. Charles Straight. Photo by Tracy Baim
Rev. Dawnn Brumfield. Photo by Tracy Baim
Rev. Dr. Delman Coates of Maryland. Photo by Tracy Baim
Rev. Dr. Donique McIntosh. Photo by Tracy Baim
Dr. Eddie Kornegay. Photo by Tracy Baim
Pastor Jamie Frazier. Photo by Tracy Baim
Rev. Julian Deshazier. Photo by Tracy Baim

Nine African American clergy, seminary scholars and religious leaders, including an influential pastor who worked on marriage equality in Maryland, spoke at an Illinois Unites press conference Oct. 17 at Chicago Temple in downtown Chicago. They urged the passage of SB 10, the marriage equality bill in Illinois.

The speakers were:

Rev. Benjamin Reynolds, Faith Coordinator, Illinois Unites for Marriage.

Rev. Dr. Delman Coates, Mt. Ennon Baptist Church (Clinton, Md.).

Rev. Brenda Lee, Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches minister.

Rev. Julian Deshazier, pastor at University Church in Hyde Park.

Rev. Dawnn Brumfield, Associate Worship Pastor, Urban Village Church in Hyde Park/Woodlawn.

Dr. Eddie Kornegay, founder of the Baldwin Delaney Institute and adjunct professor of theology.

Pastor Jamie Frazier, Lighthouse Church of Chicago.

Rev. Dr. Donique McIntosh, Associate pastor and educator.

Rev. Charles Straight, Faith United Methodist Church.

They all spoke to the urgency of passing the marriage equality bill in Illinois, and addressed the question of religious protections as well.

The video of the press conference is posted here:

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