we are the church

tuesday i stood on the steps of calvary presbyterian church in san francisco yelling

"say no to eight--vote no on prop 8!"

largely surrounded by a crowd of presbyterian clergy. this is my church.

for those of you who are out of state, proposition eight changes the california constitution to exclude gay marriage--the existence of which has frustrated conservatives since the california supreme court determined marriage for same sex couples was a fundamentally protected right under the state constitution. the only way to stop it is to change the constitution.

though the presbyterian book of order defines marriage as between a man and a woman, i an deeply thankful for the freedom of conscience provision that allows dissent... and even compels it.

i have pondered that moment on the steps for days, thinking some grand revelation of its meaning would come to me. but i have none. it was a quiet demonstration, compared to some i have been to. it was really a press conference. what was said was affirmed by those in the crowd and those wandering by on the streets. i was reminded that we are all God's children. that God affirms love. i am not sure i heard anything new.

but often the revolution is quiet. often change doesn't come with earthquakes bone-rattling thunder or tidal waves, but with whispers. perhaps the real power of this moment for me was in its subtlety and peace.

some of my more favorite videos for the cause are here and here. one more reason i LOVE ugly betty.