Freedom to marry expanding for families in 5+ more states

On Monday morning, October 6, the U.S. Supreme Court announced that it has declined, without comment, to hear the appeals of lower court decisions invalidating bans on same-gender marriage in five states, thereby lifting the stays on these decisions and clearing the way for marriages to take place in Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.  These five join 19 other states and the District of Columbia as marriage equality jurisdictions.The number of marriage equality states may soon grow to 30 because several other states are affected by the rulings in federal appeals courts: Colorado, Kansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Wyoming.  In addition, two other federal appellate courts have heard arguments and could issue their decisions at any time.  Lawsuits are at various stages in every other state where committed same-gender couples are still waiting for equality.The Covenant Network is grateful that the 221st General Assembly (2014) recognized the prerogative of ministers in equality states to use their pastoral discretion to celebrate these marriages.  The PC(USA) also needs language in its Book of Order that unmistakably honors all families and reflects reality across the denomination despite differences  that may persist in state law. We urge your support for the Marriage Amendment, 14-F, currently under consideration for ratification by the 171 presbyteries; in initial voting, one has approved and one has disapproved.Why does marriage matter to families and communities?  Listen to Monica and Sue talk about their own lives:https://vimeo.com/84150006