Iowa

Iowa's Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling today - one that rules that  the Iowa statute limiting civil marriage to a union between a man and a woman violates the equal protection clause of the Iowa Constitution.

As with other rulings relating to marriage equality, this one has many celebrating and other protesting.  

Rich Pleva, the United Church of Christ Iowa Conference minister, has this to say:

“Words can hardly express how delighted and relieved I am for same sex couples in Iowa - more than a few of whom are my friends - for whom the Iowa Supreme Court's ruling is a gift. I'm also aware that the people and churches of the Iowa Conference are not of one mind on this issue. This is a time to underscore and affirm our covenant to being of one heart and one body, even at times when we may not agree.” (read the entire press release from the UCC)

I celebrate today's ruling in Iowa.  And I pray that the conversation relating to marriage equality can remain one rooted in love and respect for all.