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U.S. Celebrants Offering
Ceremonies for Same-Sex Couples
Where to Find Supportive U.S. Celebrants and Congregations for Spiritual Blessing
To be listed, see box below
© June 29, 2008, Demian
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Alabama — no current contacts
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Alaska — no current contacts
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American Samoa — no current contacts
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Arizona
Rev. Rosalyn Enterline
American Fellowship
200 S. Pantano Rd. #148, Tucson, Az. 85710
520-807-4292; snowfawn12@msn.com
snowfawn.com
Rosalyn offers bonding commitment ceremonies as well as wedding services. She feels that all couples should be accorded the same respect and honor on such a blessed day. She also offers house blessings, cleansing, funerals, memorials, and baptism. Ceremonies are offered in Christian, Native American, and non-denominational formats. She will travel outside of Arizona for a reasonable fee.
Rev. Peggy Watts
Universal Life Church, 3391 South 4th Ave., Yuma, AZ 85365
928-726-9512; tcmobilerv@aol.com
I believe people who love each other, and wish to spend their lives together, should be allowed to do so with blessings.
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Arkansas
Sheila Cordellia Hicks
Church of Spiritual Humanism
374 Indian Springs Drive, Bryant AR 72022
501-412-3278; scordelliahicks@hotmail.com
sheilacordelliahicks.com
I believe in the sanctity of all love, regardless of a person’s sex, race, creed, religion, ethnicity, or any other state of being. I am proud to stand with any couple and help them proclaim their love and commitment to the Universe.
Rev. Barry Scott
Dove’s Wing Ministries
Rural Route 65, Vilonia, AR 72173
501-730-3232; doveswing@alltel.net
Rev. Barry Scott offers commitment ceremonies, civil unions, life partnerships, as well as commitment workshops and pre-marriage counseling.
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California
Roseanne Allen, wedding officiant
Universal Life Church
1563 Solano Ave., #177, Berkeley, CA 94707
510-412-3386; roseanneallen@secularweddings.com
gayunion.netfirms.com
We believe that all people must be able to come together in love and community to celebrate unions, weddings, births, deaths, child namings, and other joyous and sad events in our life. We are committed to helping the gay and lesbian community share their love with one another and the world. Each wedding ceremony is written individually to incorporate the beliefs of the couple and can include ceremonies and traditions from many ethnicities.
Rev. Beth Miller
Unitarian Universalist Church of the Monterey Peninsula
490 Aguajito Road, Carmel, CA 93923
w/408-624-7404; h/408-333-1139; revbeth@redshift.com
Rev. Gail Johnson
Center for Spiritual Living
P.O. Box 187, Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Meetings held at the Hill House Chapel, 10701 Pallette Dr., Mendocino, CA 95460
707-964-1458; revgailjohnson@yahoo.com
mendocinoreligiousscience.org
We believe that everyone has the right to enter into marriage. You are perfect, whole and complete exactly the way you are. We are honored to officiate same-sex weddings.
Rev. Suzanne B. Dougherty, Minister
Unitarian Universalist Church of South County
25801 Obrero Dr., #7, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
949-581-0245; revsuze@aol.com
The Revd. John A. Bell
Trans-Denominational Minister
6421 Hillegass Ave., Oakland, CA 94618
510-420-8931; prs37@aol.com
Rev. Kevin Pearson, Rector
Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist
1661 Fifteenth St., San Francisco, CA 94103-3511
415-861-1436; fax 415-522-1198; stjohnsf@pacbell.net
home.pacbell.net/stjohnsf
St. John’s is an inclusive Anglo-Catholic parish that performs same-sex covenant ceremonies for members of the parish.
Rev. Deacon Jane Harper
St. Joan’s Oratory, Church of Antioch
Box 24097, San Jose, CA 9154-4097
408-265-9105; jharper@ix.netcom.com
Rev. Harper is eager to perform covenant ceremonies. The entire jurisdiction does not yet approve, but she has her Bishop’s blessing. Church of Antioch is an independent Catholic jurisdiction headquartered in Creswell, Oregon.
Rev. Elisheva Barsabe
The Mission of St. Clare
244 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
408-429-6917; jimnshay@cruzio.com
A part of the Apostolic Catholic Church in America, the Mission of St. Clare is happy to bless the marriage covenants of people truly committed to each other. Usually, the marriage service is taken from The New Zealand Prayer Book or The Book of Common Prayer, but convenants written by the couple can be considered. Pre-martial counseling is advised. Call evenings, weekends or send e-mail.
Mantis (formerly Rev. Steven Khiralla)
Mantis Society
13770 Sayre St., Sylmar, CA 91342
818-367-9025; mantissociety@yahoo.com
geocities.com/mantissociety
I deal with marriage as marriage, not gay or straight!
Rev. Canon Janine Stock
All Saints American Catholic Church
OurSpirit Publishing Chapel, 1487 Poinsettia Ave. #130, Vista, California
760-271-1812; revjcsallsaints@aol.com
We offer the seven sacraments, including Holy Matrimony, as openly and abundantly as Jesus the Christ offered them to all. We welcome same-sex couples and their children no differently than we do mixed gender couples. Our wedding ministry understands the diversity in the concept of God’s family, and we respond to the need of mixed faith families.
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Colorado
Rev. Elizabeth McMaster
All Souls Unitarian Church
730 North Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903
719-633-7717; lizmcmast@aol.com
Rev. McMaster is a Unitarian Universalist minister who has conducted holy unions between same-sex couples since 1986. She is currently the interim minister at All Souls.
Reverend Jeremy H. Wheatley
Miette’s Love Chapel
412 N. Pine St., Colorado Springs, CO 80905
719-520-3532 or 719-650-2187; rev.wheatley@gmail.com
springsweddings.bravehost.com
Rev. Wheatley has been performing marriages between same-sex couples for many years. The ceremonies are written after consulting with the couple, and include any beliefs or traditions desired by the couple. He also provides many other services including: commitment ceremonies, renewal of vows, handfasting, baby naming, home blessings, collaring ceremonies, and many more.
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Connecticut
Marie T. Wiley
329 Gallup Hill Rd., Ledyard, CT 06339
860-536-8808; jpmarietwiley@comcast.net
www.ctjusticeofthepeace.com
As a Justice of the Peace, I perform civil unions and marriage ceremonies. I believe that devoted individuals who love each other, deserve to be united and protected.
Most Fr. Richard Cardarelli, Bishop
American Apostolic Catholic Church
547-C Hilliard St., Manchester, CT 06040
kendrick05@aol.com; AmApCaCh@aol.com
The Apostolic Church is an independent, ecumenical Catholic denomination with clergy from Roman, Independent, Anglican, Lutheran and Methodist traditions. It offers all seven sacraments.
Mary C. Pugh, Connecticut Justice of the Peace
9 Outer Road, Norwalk, CT 06854
203-838-1038; mary@ctjusticeofpeace.com
www.ctjusticeofpeace.com
Mary has experience offering caring, customized Civil Union ceremonies. She delights in creating a beautiful, romantic, meaningful, and joyful celebration of love. Participating couples receive a planning CD, and a portfolio containing their customized ceremony and Civil Union certificate.
Rev. Marissa Ganavage
Rev. John A. Ganavage
Rev. Barbara MacBurney
Ministers with the Universal LIfe Church
Edward Ave., Watertown, CT 06795
860-945-1329; 860-274-0404; mariwtn@hotmail.com
These ministers are independent and non-denominational, and call the blessing by whatever name the couple feels most comfortable (holy union, marriage, etc). They work with a wedding planner to ensure the couple’s wishes are followed. Pre-wedding counseling services are offered as well as “Affirmation of Love” certificates after the ceremony. They believe all couples, regardless of orientation, should have the same opportunity to make commitments to each other.
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Delaware — no current contacts
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District of Columbia
Rev. Robert Hardies
All Souls Church, Unitarian
1500 Harvard St., NW (16th and Harvard), Washington, DC 20009
202-332-5266; contact@all-souls.org; weddingcoordinatorasc@hotmail.com
www.all-souls.org
All Souls welcomes the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transsexual community. It offers an exceptionally beautiful facility, acclaimed musical program, and inspiring minister for same-sex marriages and commitment ceremonies. Reverend Hardies is a compassionate, young, gay minister, and an accomplished speaker with the power to reach people of all faiths.
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Florida
Fr. Steven M. Rosczewski, pastor
Holy Spirit Ecumenical Catholic Church
P.O. Box 15157, Clearwater, FL 33766-5157
727-709-1542; fr.steve@holyspiritecc.org
www.holyspiritecc.org
As part of the Ecumenical Catholic Communion (ECC), we warmly welcome all couples to the Sacrament of Marriage. Our Catholic community is all-affirming and fully inclusive of all persons without distinction. We will joyfully celebrate this Sacrament for you and your partner as a serious, intimate and sacred pronouncement that symbolizes the coming together of your lives.
Rt. Rev. Grant Lynn Ford, senior minister
Sunshine Cathedral
1480 SW - 9th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
954-462-2004; grant@sunshinecathedral.org
www.sunshinecathedral.org
Sunshine provides full service same-sex weddings, as well as baptisms, child namings,
memorial services and relationship blessings. The two Chapels seat 100-500, plus a hall is available for receptions. Arrangements include, photographer, flowers, candles, reception, guest house accommodations, etc. The staff clergy represents MCC, Unity, Religious Science, Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, with a cooperating Rabbi available.Sunshine is an MCC church affiliated with the Center for Progressive Christianity.
Rt. Rev. Donald J. Herbert, DD, DSC
St. Luke The Physician Church
Box 5081, Gulfport, FL 33737
813-323-4669; padrepax1@aol.com
The Orthodox Catholic Church of America ministers to the gay and lesbian community. It offers all holy sacraments and studies for ordination.
Rabbi Greg Kanter
Congregation Etz Chaim
3970 Northwest 21st Ave., Oakland Park, FL 33309
954-714-9232; fax 954-714-3050; gjon@prodigy.net
www.etz-chaim.com
Rabbi Kanter officiates at Jewish same-sex weddings.
Rev. Beth Causey
124 - 19th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33704
813-896-2019; revbc@earthlink.net
Rev. Causey is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ (UCC), and is glad to listen and is available to perform same-sex commitment ceremonies.
Most Rev. Charles M. Leigh, Pastor
Rev. Arthur L. Funk & Rev. Kenneth Crooms, Deacons
Apostolic Catholic Church
7813 North Nebraska Ave., Tampa, FL 33604
813-238-6060; amercathfla@webtv.net
The inclusive and affirming Apostolic Catholic Church offers baptisms, weddings, unions. All are welcome.
Rev. F. Gianmichael Maria Salvato, CFI
Franciscan Companions of the Immaculate
Holy Angels National Catholic Church
2330 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors (Fort Lauderdale), FL 33305
954-854-5534; gianmichael@yahoo.com
franciscanlife.org
The Franciscan Companions perform sacramental Holy Unions, provide access to the seven sacraments, and worship as a community of faith without judgment. They are a radically inclusive and ecumenical order of Franciscan friars and sisters, dedicated to bringing an authentic experience of Catholic spirituality, compassion and service to all people, united in the Love of Christ.
Father John Joseph Reid, Pastor
Divine Mercy Catholic Community Church
2749 Northeast 10th Ave., Wilton Manors, FL 33334
954-567-1930; divinemercyfla@aol.com
divinemercyfla.org
Father Reid conducts Holy Unions either at the Chapel in Wilton Manors (Fort Lauderdale) or location of your choice.
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Georgia
Rev. Blakely G. Gooch
171 Ballew Dr., So., Jasper, GA 30143-1933
706-692-2219 (home); blakelyg@mindspring.com and wildhare89@hotmail.com
Rev. Gooch is an ordained Baptist minister belonging to the Alliance of Baptists. While not a pastor of his own church, he is a member of the Virginia Highlands Baptist Church in Atlanta, which has provided facilities for same-sex marriages in the past. He is also willing to travel to most locations within Southeast Georgia or beyond, if travel remuneration is provided.
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Guam — no current contacts
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Hawaii — no current contacts
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Idaho — no current contacts
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Illinois
Rev. Leah Young
Universal Life Church
P.O. Box 505, 22nd Ave., Bellwood, IL 60104
866-373-7657; dvyne1@divine-flow.com
Leah fully supports people loving whomever they love, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, or religion. She is available to perform commitment ceremonies and/or weddings.
Rev. Mary M. Moore
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Decatur
3773 MacArthur Road, Decatur, IL 62526
217-875-5442
and
Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation
745 Woodside Road, Springfield, IL 62707
217-585-9550; mmmoore@eosinc.com
Rev. Moore performs union services for same-sex couples in both congregations she serves.
First Congregational United Church of Christ
320 Grand Ave., Waukegan, Illinois 60085-4229
847-336-5368 (phone/fax); fcucc_waukegan@hotmail.com
www.waukeganucc.org
First Congregational is an “Open and Affirming Congregation” that provides a supportive environment for same-sex couples who seek to celebrate their marriage in the church. Ceremonies are developed in consultation with the pastor, following a series of pre-marriage conversations. The Congregation welcomes full participation in the life and leadership of the church by gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons.
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Indiana — no current contacts
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Iowa — no current contacts
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Kansas
Rev. Vern Barnet, DMn
Center for Religious Experience and Study (CRES)
Box 4165, Overland Park, KS 66204
also: Box 45414, Kansas City, MO 64171
913-649-5114; vern@cres.org
www.cres.org
Dr. Barnet, author of Love Without Desire: Sonnets about loving men, writes a weekly Kansas City Star interfaith column which honors same-sex relationships. He is a Unitarian Universalist minister and convenes the Kansas City Interfaith Council. While he offers a guide for a same-sex ceremonies, he is happy to work with couples to adapt or write their own services utilizing one, many or no religious traditions.
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Kentucky
Rev. F. Charles “Chuck” Knipp
Quaker Universalist Fellowship
3601 Brookewind Way, Lexington, KY 40515
228-313-3384; fcharlesknipp@earthlink.net
www.universalistfriends.org
Quaker minister offers traditional or special services for holy union, matrimony, funerals, or other religious needs. There is no charge for spiritual services. Member of American Association of Professional Chaplains, Registered Nurse, and Notary Public-at-Large (Kentucky).
Fr. James Long L.L.F, M.Div (Doc. Theology candidate)
Universal Catholic
P.O. Box 35361, Louisville, KY 40232-5361
502-749-7389; cell 502-777-2064; webmaster@universalcatholic.com
www.universalcatholic.com
Father James performs same-sex ceremonies for couples and can offer simple-to-massive ceremonies. It can take place during the Holy Mass, or anytime you feel appropriate. He also can provide a computer-produced legal will and other legal documents using information you provide.
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Louisiana — no current contacts
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Maine — no current contacts
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Maryland
Judith Seid
Baltimore Jewish Cultural Chavurah
623 Lake Dr., Towson, MD 21286
410-583-9719; judithseid@aol.com
The Chavurah is an affiliate of the Secular Humanistic Jewish movement, which offers weddings for opposite-sex and same-sex couples. Couples do not need to be Jewish. Ceremonies are tailored to the individuals and can include Jewish or other ethnic elements. Many Secular Humanistic clergy will travel to perform weddings. Also provides referrals to clergy in other cities.
Congress of Secular Jewish Organizations
Rifke Feinstein, Exec. Director
19657 Villa Drive, N., Southfield, MI 48076
248-569-8127; rifke@adelphia.net
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Massachusetts
Reverend Judith Todd-McNichol D.D., and Justice of the Peace
137 South Pond Drive, Brewster (Cape Cod), MA 02631
508-896-9898; capecodweddings@comcast.net
www.capecodjusticeofthepeace.com
I am honored to perform wedding ceremonies for our state. My goal, as a Universalist minister, is to provide a ceremony that reflects your individuality, a service with which you are comfortable, and that will give the greatest memories. Choose from my extensive collection of services and vows, or write your own. Ceremonies can be civil, religious, interfaith, non-denominational, or multi-cultural.
Rev. rose ann olmstead (she prefers lowercase)
Rev. Stephen Pepper
Church of the Covenant
67 Newbury St., Boston MA 02116
617-266-3169; fax 617-266-9532; 617-983-2184 (Stephen Pepper); cotcbos@hotmail.org; stevesam@gis.net
www.churchofthecovenant.org
The Church of the Covenant is an Open and Affirming (United Church of Christ) and More Light (Presbyterian Church USA) congregation. Its membership is approximately half lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender, and includes many same-sex families with children. A number of its clergy work in non-parish settings, and would be glad to discuss same-sex ceremonies with couples. Its neo-Gothic building offers splendid architecture, Tiffany stained glass, and an historic Welte-Tripp organ.
Dennis Geller, Ph.D., Humanist Minister and Humanistic Jewish Clergy
8 Thayer Place, Brookline, Mass. 02445
617-529-9483; dpgeller@humanist-rites.com
www.humanist-rites.com
Humanist minister helps you develop a spiritual and intensely personal secular or religious Humanistic wedding, civil union or commitment ceremony. Respect and appreciation for all individuals and for equal rights are fundamental to Humanism. This sentiment pervades all of my ceremonies, whether for lesbians, gays or mixed-sex couples. I also perform Secular Jewish and Interfaith ceremonies, and work throughout New England.
Rev. Virginia McDaniel, Pastor
Christ Church United in Lowell
1 Bartlett St., Lowell, MA 01852
978-459-9631; ccu@gis.net
www.cculowell.org
Rev. McDaniel enjoys working with couples to design commitment celebrations that reflect the individuals involved. Christ Church United welcomes gay men and lesbians into the full life and ministry of the church, which is a parish of the United Church of Christ (an Open and Affirming denomination in the Congregational and Reformed traditions).
Rev. Susan Cartmell, Senior Minister
Rev. Heike Werder, Associate Minister
Congregational Church of Needham
1154 Great Plain Ave., Needham MA 02492-2202
781-444-2510; fax 781-444-3580; needcong@gis.net
www.needhamcongregational.org
The Congregational Church of Needham is an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ. The Sunday bulletins read: “As a covenant community we are committed to the belief that all people are created equal before God. In affirmation of the inclusive love of Christ Jesus, we welcome persons of any race, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability and economic circumstance to full participation in our community life and ministry. We strive to reflect these beliefs in the language and content of our worship and in our lives together.”
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Michigan
Rev. Deb Dysert
Divine Peace Metropolitan Community Church
5311 Sunnyside Drive, Clarkston, MI 48346
248-618-1186; revfluff@aol.com
www.divinepeacemcc.org
We are a church for all people and celebrate who God made us to be as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and queer Christians. We invite anyone, who is interested in growing stronger in their faith and trust in God, to join us on our journey. Celebrating the love between two individuals is a blessing, and we offer services of Holy Union as well as preparation sessions for the couple.
Trudy Bowler, marriage officiant
Universal Life Church
P.O. Box 65, Gregory MI 48137
517-851-9938; tlcbowler@yahoo.com
Same-sex weddings are offered. It is their belief that love should be celebrated by all. They are committed to providing a safe and welcoming place to celebrate love and commitment.
Rev. R. Vincent Lavieri
American Apostolic Catholic Church
Parish of St. Matthias
297 W. Clay, Muskegon, MI 49440
231-725-4282; revrvl@comcast.net
Offers a celebration of marriage/commitment services for people wishing God’s blessings on their commitment to life-long love and faithfulness.
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Minnesota
Rev. Dr. Christa Landon
2626 - 37th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406
763-493-3634; drchlandon@aol.com
hometown.aol.com/chlandon/myhomepage/
While not attached to a congregation, Dr. Landon is an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister preaching and performing ceremonies in the greater Twin Cities area. The Unitarian Universalist Association has authorized Ceremonies of Holy Union for same-sex couples for a quarter of a century, and provides signed, dated printed certificates. Membership in a U.U. church is not required. Dr. Landon has performed more than 400 personally created ceremonies to celebrate the love of couples of many different religious orientations.
Father Stephen Prokop
Servants of Christ - American Apostolic Catholic Church
2275 Benson Ave., St. Paul, MN 55116
651-698-5569; frsteve@americanchurch.org
www.americanchurch.org/eventscommitment.htm
Servants of Christ is an independent Old Catholic jurisdiction which has valid sacraments and an all inclusive theology. Friendly and flexible; beautiful commitment ceremony book given to couple after the service.
Rev. Tomkin Coleman
197 Griggs St. N., St. Paul, MN 55104
612-986-5528; tomkincoleman@hotmail.com
www.mnweddingminister.com
Non-denominational minister experienced with same-sex unions will officiate and help you plan and
create a personalized, unique ceremony for your wedding, holy union, or commitment ceremony. Your choice of location — will travel.
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Mississippi — no current contacts
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Missouri
Carolyn Burke, celebrant
Wedding Ceremony Services
705 Dickson St., St. Louis, Missouri 63122
314-821-4844; info@weddingliaison.com
www.weddingliaison.com
Celebrate your special love with a spiritual and unifying commitment ceremony, recognized as one of the most meaningful expressions of your love for each other. Besides officiating, we arrange unforgettable events.
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Montana — no current contacts
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Nebraska — no current contacts
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New Hampshire
the Rev. Dr. Judith A. Gooch
Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ
4 Post Office Sq., Plymouth, NH 03264
603-536-4233; pccucc@coopresources.net
Plymouth Congregational states that their commitment to same-sex and opposite-sex unions is one and the same: “In a Christian context, a covenant made between two persons in the presence of God and an ordained minister is a Holy Union. … the Plymouth United Church takes its role in Holy Unions very seriously. A brochure describing the tradition and our church’s policies will be sent to each couple interested in holding their service at the church. If neither is a member of the Plymouth Congregational UCC, use of the church will be left to the Pastor’s discretion.” (Deacon’s Policies)
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New Jersey
Rev. Melanie Morel Sullivan
Unitarian Universalist Church in Cherry Hill
401 N. Kings Hwy., Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
856-667-3618; melaniesul@aol.com
www.uucinch.org
Services include: holy unions (commitment, wedding); baby dedication ceremonies for couples having or adopting children; personalized, non-judgmental memorial services; relationship and family counseling. Membership in the church is open without regard to belief, ethnicity or orientation. Officially a Welcoming Congregation of the UUA.
Rev. Joseph A. Ianiro, Jr. DD
Divine Mercy
370 W. Pleasantview Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601
201-417-0118; fax 201-575-4239; monsignoir@hotmail.com
reverendjoseph.org
Spiritual, yet non-denominational domestic partner and commitment ceremonies. All ceremonies are personalized to fit a couple’s individual needs. Adoption, naming, and baptismal ceremonies are also offered. Serving all of NJ-NYC and the Hudson Valley.
Rev. Bob Riordan
Community of Thomas Christians
2190 Rte. 29, Stockton, NJ 08559
609-397-1914; fr_bob@excite.com
This independent catholic community celebrates inclusiveness by providing services to the gay and lesbian community in the catholic sacramental tradition. It offers Holy Eucharist, sacrament of Holy Union, and healing.
Fr. George Lucey
St. Francis of Assisi-WRM-Mission
22 Mellon Ave., West Orange, NJ 07052
973-800-2357; georgelucey@hotmail.com
njcatholicslookingforachurch.com
Our mission is to make the world a more compassionate place through a truly welcoming and dynamic Catholic community. Celebrations of holy union and bonding ceremonies can reflect the inherent dignity of love which is at the heart of our lives.
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New Mexico
Rev. Lynette A. Curley-Roam, LCSW-R, MSW
United American Catholic Church
12836 Lomas NE, Suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87112
505-323-2338; 505-281-5976; vhhealing@msn.com
Rev. Lynette offers personalized marriage ceremonies for all couples. She also offers retreats, dream work, “Body, Mind, Spirit Seminars,” “Coming Out Groups for Women,” as well as spiritual counseling, and prayers for healing.
The Reverend Judith Maynard
Metropolitan Community Church of Albuquerque
1103 Texas NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
505-268-5252; revjudym@aol.com
www.mccabq.com
Rev. Judith Maynard is an ordained clergywoman in Metropolitan Community Churches. She has performed more than 200 same-sex ceremonies, and works with each couple to create a ceremony, or other rite of passage, which is meaningful and unique. The MCC facilities offer a beautiful setting, sound and multi-media system.
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New York
Bishop Richard G. Roy, OSJD - Primate
National Catholic Church of America
166 Jay St., Albany, NY 12210
518-434-8861; natcathch@aol.com
members.aol.com/NatCathCh
The National Catholic Church of America is an inclusive Catholic body, which celebrates the diversity of God’s people and offers the sacraments without regard to sexual orientation, gender or marital status.
Rev. Dr. Raymond J. Barito, Jr., and Heidi Barito, Jr.
Roman Road Ministries
52 B Grant St., Freeport, NY 11520
516-223-1479, fax 516-223-0760; hasheart@aol.com
Love is the greatest gift that God could give us. Sharing love with that someone special truly makes two people one. Let us join you in a ceremony worth remembering, where two become one with the Lord.
Reverend Colleen Rundell, M.S.
A Heart’s Home Ministry
8 Parsons Ave., Hoosick Falls, New York 12090
518-686-0105; reverendcolleen@aheartshomeministry.org
aheartshomeministry.org
I am a non-denominational reverend who creates individualized commitment ceremonies that express and celebrate you as a couple.
Rev. Deacon John Azzali
Rev. Father Denis Couture
Parish of Sts. Sergius and Bacchus
Catholic Apostolic Church in North America
35-30 - 81St St., #4A, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Father Denis: 718-641-5925; fatherdeniscouture@cacina.org
Deacon John: 718-205-6605; deaconjohnazzali@cacain.org
www.stssergiusandbacchuscatholicparish.org
Catholicism has ever taught that a sacrament is an outward sign of an interior reality. Both the union of a man and a woman, or the union of a same-sex couple, though distinct, flow from that same sacred grace.
Jeanne Stark
Hudson Valley Ceremonies
1237 Centre Rd., Rhinebeck, NY 12572
845-266-8524; weddings@hudsonvalleyceremonies.com
www.HudsonValleyCeremonies.com
Officiant services provided for commitment ceremonies or unity services. A ceremony may be religious or secular, formal and traditional, or loose and unstructured. Also offered are special types of packages, such as candle lighting or culturally specific ceremonies, baby blessings, christenings, and naming ceremonies.
Allen V. Harris, Pastor
Park Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
1010 Park Ave. (at 85th St.), New York, NY 10028-0991
212-288-3246; paccnyc@aol.com
This church has offered same-sex, covenant ceremonies since 1992. The Board of Elders fully affirms the worth, gifts, and dignity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and heterosexual persons.
Father Charles B. Burrell, OSJD
St. Joseph House - National Catholic Church of America
Box 427, West Park, NY 12493
914-384-9275; natcathch@aol.com
members.aol.com/NatCathCh
The National Catholic Church of America is an inclusive Catholic body, which celebrates the diversity of God’s people and offers the sacraments without regard to sexual orientation, gender or marital status.
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North Carolina
Ms. Lynne Benton, Pastoral Leader
Emmaus Metropolitan Community Church
P.O. Box 346, 1705 Saint Augustine Ave., Fayetteville, NC 28326
910-261-0096; 910-487-3347; emmausmcc@aol.com
www.another-waye.com/EMCC/index.html
Offers ceremonies for same-sex couples.
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North Dakota — no current contacts
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Northern Mariana Islands — no current contacts
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Ohio
Pastor Linda Meredith
Emmanuel Fellowship Church
60 North Arlington St., Akron, OH 44305
330-376-8725; uccpast@aol.com
Offering spiritual services to bless same-sex couples.
Rev. L. Annie Foerster
St. John’s Unitarian Church
320 Resor Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45200
513-961-1938; fax 513-961-4008; foerstword@aol.com
Rev. Foerster provides a spiritual service with meaning to the couple, taking place in the church, their home, or one of many nearby nature settings. St. John’s has a large gay/lesbian population with both social and social action groups for gay men and lesbians as part of its regular programming.
Rev. Raeanna Biddle
Eternal Joy Church (MCC)
2382 Kennedy Ave., Dayton, OH 45420
937-254-2087; pastor@eternaljoymcc.org
www.eternaljoymcc.org
Eternal Joy is a Metropolitan Community Church affiliate and the largest and oldest church in greater Dayton that ministers primarily to the LBGT community. They offer an attractive, intimate chapel setting for ceremonies. Ceremonies are based on The Book of Common Prayer, or can be designed to reflect a couple’s unique relationship. Premarital counseling is required of all couples.
Rev. Christine Retherford
PO Box 2401, Dayton, OH 45401-2401
937-974-3696; contact@affinitycelebrations.com
www.affinitycelebrations.com
Serving the GLBT community of Ohio. Same-sex ceremonies (called Holy Union, Commitment, or Wedding) can be performed at most locations in our service area.
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Oklahoma — no current contacts
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Oregon
Rev. Thomas Disrud
First Unitarian Church of Portland
1011 Southwest 12th Ave., Portland, OR 97212
503-228-6389; tdisrud@firstunitarianportland.org
Terri Campfield-Daniel
Ordained Humanist Minister and Ceremony Officiant
6375 Kingwood Ave. Redmond, OR 97756
251-533-8115 or 541-504-2147; terridaniel2007@yahoo.com
http://www.secularceremonies.com/SameSex.htm
Terri is a certified wedding officiants who primarily serves central Oregon and has performed about a hundred same-sex ceremonies in various locations across the U.S. She is ordained by the Humanist Society (formerly the Humanist Society of Friends), a division of the American Humanist Association, an organization, founded in 1941, which is dedicated to secular, free thought, and strongly supports the rights of GLBT people to legally marry.
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Pennsylvania
Rev. Judy Welles
Rev. Duane Fickeisen
Unitarian Universalists of the Cumberland Valley
Box 549, Carlisle, PA 17013
717-249-8944
Rev.s Welles and Fickeisen work with couples to create meaningful and personal union ceremonies, child dedications, memorial services, and other rites of passage. Their congregation (chartered in March, 1998) welcomes all in sympathy with their purposes regardless of age, race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, or religious background.
Fr. Ken Denski
Old Catholic Church of Utrecht
Box 516, Southampton, PA 18966
215-396-9373; rev.ken@erols.com
Old Catholic is an inclusive community, ministering to all who seek assistance. Fr. Denski’s ministry is primarily within long-term care facilities in the metro Philadelphia area, but he also does marriage ceremonies.
Most Reverend Bruce J. Simpson, OSJB
Benedictine Order of Saint John the Beloved
Box HCI 23Z20, White Haven, PA 18661
570-443-7379; archbishopsimpson@osjtb.com
www.osjtb.com
Archbishop Simpson is available for Holy Union services in the Pocono area. The Benedictine Order of Saint John the Beloved offers a full Catholic sacramental life in an environment welcoming to all.
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Puerto Rico — no current contacts
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Rhode Island — no current contacts
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South Carolina
Rev. Mikeal Chapman, Pastor
Apostolic Church for All People
7551 Hwy 56 South, Clinton, SC 29325
864-697-5995; mikeal_c@hotmail.com
Pastor Chapman has performed weddings for same-sex couples for the past three years. The Apostolic Church for All People is a chartered congregation of the National Gay Pentecostal Alliance.
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South Dakota — no current contacts
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Tennessee
Rev. Jeff Briere, Minister
Unitarian Universalist Church of Chattanooga
3224 Navajo Drive, Chattanooga TN 37411
423-624-2985; minister@uuc.org
www.uuc.org
Services include: holy unions, commitments, weddings; baby dedication ceremonies for couples having or adopting children; personalized, non-judgmental memorial services. A Welcoming Congregation of the UUA.
Rev. Christian D. Thompson, UCM Bishop
Cathedral of Hope Ministries
3335 Ringgold Rd., #206, Chattanooga, TN 37412
423-596-5939; revcdt@aol.com; cathedralsite@aol.com
Affirming all of God’s children through faith and life. Offering hope to all, regardless of social status. Celebrating love through Christ.
Reverend Michael W. Cooper
7700 Yount Road, Knoxville, TN 37931
865-804-3946; bigolrat@hotmail.com
tmnp.20m.com
Rev. Cooper does not have a congregation, but is ordained with Universal Life Church and holds their principles and beliefs. He offers union and commitment services (subject to legal age restrictions and approval), weddings and other spiritual services; all denominations or non-denominational.
Father Ken Zelten
Ministers In a Minute
P.O. Box 770164, Memphis, TN 38177
901-754-4700; fatherken@bellsouth.net
www.ministersinaminute.com/pages/893183
Tastefully done commitment ceremonies performed for the Memphis mid-south area.
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Texas
Craig Franklin, Pastor
Kingdom Seekers in Christ Jesus
81 San Marcos St., Austin, TX 78702
512-322-0049; revcbf@aol.com
www.whosoever.net
Kingdom Seekers offers same-sex marriages. Everyone is welcome to their church — gay or straight, white or black, regardless of denomination.
Rev. Kathleen Ellis
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Brazos Valley
305 Wellborn Road, College Station, Texas
mailing: Box 9844, College Station, TX 77842-7844
409-696-5285; brazosuu@juno.com
www.ipt.com/uuf/
Rev. Ellis offers union services and meets with prospective couples to help them plan a ceremony that is appropriate to their beliefs as well as their family and friends.
Rev. Michael Piazza
Cathedral of Hope
5910 Cedar Springs; Dallas, TX 75235
214-351-1901; MPiazza@cathedralofhope.com
www.cathedralofhope.com
The Cathedral of Hope is the largest lesbian and gay church in the world and performs hundreds of ceremonies yearly.
Rev. Kellie Rupard-Schorr
Metropolitan Community Church of EL Paso
900 Chelsea, El Paso TX 79903
P.O.Box 3121, El Paso TX 79923
915-591-4155; mccelpaso@aol.com
www.mccelpaso.com
MCC El Paso offers pre-union counseling, planning, and holy union services designed for the faith quests and spiritual needs of all people. Wedding ceremonies incorporate the perspectives of the couple.
Rev. Craig C. Roshaven
First Jefferson Unitarian Universalist Church
1959 Sandy Lane, Fort Worth, TX 76112
817-451-1505; fax 817-451-0963; fjuuc@usa.net; Pastor’s email: ccr@usa.net
www.swuuc.org/fjuuc
Rev. Roshaven offers union services and meets with prospective couples to help them plan a ceremony that is appropriate to their beliefs as well as their family and friends.
Rev. Dr. Russell K. Elleven
Humanists of Ft. Worth
P.O. Box 291301, Ft. Worth, TX 76129
817-370-2171; r.elleven@tcu.edu
webalias.com/humanism
Will provide individualized Holy Union services.
Very Rev. Tony Begonja and Rev. Fran Begonja, SSBM
Fullness of Life Community Church / Saint Oscar Romero Ministries
PO Box 451342, Garland, Texas 75045-1342
Fr. Tony 214-566-3936; Rev. Fran 214-566-3931; tbegonja@earthlink.net; shdmin@ev1.net
www.fullness-of-life-church.org
Rev. Clifton T. Ransom, Jr., J.D., LLM
(The Apostolic Catholic Church in America)
3919 Point Clear Drive, Missouri City, TX 77459-3710
281-438-4857; dotran@swbell.net
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Utah — no current contacts
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Vermont
Rev. Jane Dwinell
First Universalist Parish, Unitarian Universalist
Box 454, Derby Line, VT 05830
802-873-3563; sky@together.net
Champlain Valley Unitarian Universalist Society
Box 857, Middlebury, VT 05753
802-388-8080; heironr@together.net (church administrator) or mammen@cs.umass.edu (church president)
Champlain Valley Unitarian is lay-led, and has several, regular visiting ministers, all of whom perform union or commitment ceremonies. The church has voted unanimously to request Welcoming Congregation status from the UUA.
Rev. Brendan Hadash
Universalist Church
4 Cherry St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
802-525-3856; bhadash@sover.net
www.geocities.com/WestHollywood/Heights/3936/
Dr. Richard (Dick) P. Caldwell
Life Enrichment Center of Southern Vermont
Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park, Route 30, Manchester, VT
mailing: 27 Glebe Mountain Road; Windham, VT 05359
802-875-1021; 888-859-5136; fax 802-875-1022; dick@dickcaldwell.com
Marriage service can be religious, spiritual or strictly civil. Dr. Caldwell, an ordained metaphysical/New Thought minister, uses whatever term the couple is comfortable with: wedding, marriage, holy union, commitment ceremony etc. The Center is an all-faith church fellowship, not affiliated with any denomination, and welcomes all for services on Sundays at 10am.
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Virgin Islands — no current contacts
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Virginia
Monsignor Micheal K. Carroll, OSP
Saint Patrick’s — American Catholic Church
Box 367, Basye, VA 22810
540-335-6987; mcarroll@shentel.net
www.saintpatrickabbey.org
An affirming and open church that will do Catholic (non-Latin rite) liturgical ceremonies for all, regardless of sex, denomination, sexual orientation, race or age. Will do weddings and unions in Connecticut, Delaware D.C. Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia.
New Life MCC of Hampton Roads
5701 Thurston Ave., Virginia Beach, VA 23455
757-460-5805; prayers@newlifemcc.net
www.newlifemcc.org
New Life offers Christian-based ceremonies for same-sex couples. They prefer the couple to have been in a loving, monogamous relationship for a minimum of one year and attend a couple of meetings with the officiating minister before the ceremony.
Rev. Adelle Barr
Heaven’s Tableland Church
Box 2674, Williamsburg, VA 23187
757-887-3719; revadelle@aol.com
hometown.aol.com/revadelle/myhomepage/index.html
We will conduct counseling if desired and will help make a bulletin for your special day. If you are Christian and wishing to have a Christian ceremony we would love to talk to you.
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Washington
Rev. Sue Zeal Oliver, Director
Center for Spiritual Awakening
3430 Pacific Ave. SE, PMB 242 ST A6, Olympia, WA 98501
360-570-2112; info@csaolympia.com
www.csaolympia.com
Rev. Sue Oliver is a licensed minister who performs same-sex ceremonies, weddings, life partner blessings, and spiritual partnership counseling in the greater Puget Sound area. She tailors the ceremonies to the wishes of the partners and their loved ones, and creates an open, interfaith sacred, and celebratory atmosphere for participants.
Demian
P.O. Box 9685, Seattle, WA 98108-2313
206-935-1206; demian@buddybuddy.com
buddybuddy.com/of-01.html
Demian is a legal marriage officiant, offering spiritual ceremonies, and specializing in marriages for same-sex couples in Seattle. He is credentialed as a reverend with the Universal Life Church, so may officiate Washington State legal marriages, as well as ceremonies.
Rev. David C. Strong
Community Church of Joy
5311 - 13th Ave., S., Seattle, WA 98108-2313
206-763-2469; commchurchofjoy@aol.com
www.communitychurchofjoy.org
Rev. Robert L. Withrow, M.Div., Vicar
St. Aelred’s Orthodox Parish
Orthodox Catholic Diocese of the Holy Cross
5418 Muir Court, SE, Lacey, Washington 98503
360-923-1267; smokey307@home.com
St. Aelred’s primary apostolate is to the GLBT community, and offers the Sacrament of Matrimony to same-sex couples. They are an open and affirming parish that meets the first Saturday afternoon of each month. The congregation currently meets in Tacoma, but may move to Olympia.
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West Virginia
The Rev. Master Jordan Osborne
East West Zendo
Box 214, Bluefield, WV 24701
304-325-2314; jordyoz@webtv.net
Rev. Osborne is open to Christian, Jewish and Buddhist couples.
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Wisconsin
Rev. Suzelle Lynch
Unitarian Universalist Church West
13001 W. North Ave., Brookfield, WI 53005
262-782-3535; admin@uucw.org
www.uucw.org
Rev. Lynch offers personalized Services of Union (holy union, commitment, weddings), baby welcoming and dedication ceremonies, and memorial services.
Pastor Jackie Mallory / Elder Joan Glascock
Footstep Fellowship
PO Box 171, Wausau WI 54402-0171
715-355-8641; footstepfellowship@yahoo.com
www.geocities.com/footstepfellowship
Footstep Fellowship is an “open and affirming congregation.” We provide a supportive environment for same-sex couples who desire to worship and celebrate their love for each other. We call the blessing by whatever name the couple chooses. Ceremonies are individually developed after pre-wedding counseling. Footstep Fellowship welcomes full participation in the life and leadership of the church by persons of all orientations. We are independent, non-denominational, and affiliated with the Alliance of Christian Churches.
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Wyoming — no current contacts
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If your congregation wishes to be listed, please ask the officiator to contact us with all of the following information:
• Contact Person
• Congregation
• Full Street Address or Post Box
• Phone
• E-mail
• Web site if available
• Brief sentence about the commitment to same-sex ceremonies, and the name used to describe the ceremonies (marriage, wedding, holy union, bonding, etc.)
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Religious Support for Ceremonial Marriage
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Religious Support for the Legal Right to Marry
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The Sweet Corn Shop
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Products that affirm self-esteem and social equality.
A smart variety of Bumper Stickers and Buttons for political impact, plus Mugs and Teddy Bears.
Purchases help support Partners’ efforts.
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The Sweet Corn Shop
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Products that affirm self-esteem and social equality.
A smart variety of Bumper Stickers and Buttons
for political impact, plus Mugs and Teddy Bears.
Purchases help support Partners’ efforts.
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