Marriage Equality

Mayflower's Marriage Equality Initiative
In November 2012, we will be asked to vote on a constitutional amendment to define marriage as the union between one man and one woman. This language is unnecessary, since state law already prohibits same-sex marriage, and is discriminatory against our gay and lesbian friends and family.

Mayflower has formed a Marriage Equality team to help our faith community effectively and knowledgeably talk about this amendment. We have been meeting for a few months and are working to develop ways for Mayflower members to get engaged, and for ways in which Mayflower can work within the larger UCC effort and with other faith communities to combine our efforts.

Watch for announcements about ways to get involved, and sign up to receive the Marriage Equality Action Alerts by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You can also contact members of the committee if you have questions, want more information, or want to be involved. The Mayflower Marriage Equality Team: John Fox, Rev. Gretchen Deeg, Barb Fugate, Donna Bachman, Christina Mills.

Marriage Equality 2012 Bookmarks
Download and print these bookmarks to mark where you are in your summer reading and share with friends, family members, and even new acquaintances this summer!

What Does Marriage Mean to You?
Mayflower’s own David Carey is producing a series of videos about what marriage means to Mayflower families. Watch them here. Be sure to “Like” our Facebook page so you get links to new videos from David and other news from the church. Also, plan to attend the special Adult Ed on Sunday, May 20, to see these videos, learn how to address some of the many anti-marriage equality myths, and be equipped with resources for your summer conversations.

Mayflower Receives Micro-Grant for Video
Mayflower recently was awarded an $800 micro-grant from the Minnesota Conference of the UCC to produce a video for use in outreach on the marriage equality and amendment issue. Volunteer to be in the video by contacting This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Open and Affirming
Mayflower is an Open and Affirming church. “Open and Affirming” is the official designation for congregations and other bodies in the United Church of Christ that make public statements welcoming persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities into their life and ministry. The Mayflower congregation voted to become Open and Affirming in October 1992. Mayflower members participate in Gay Pride events and National Coming Out days, lobby on important local, state and national issues, and support such agencies as PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and District 202. The PFLAG St. Paul/Minneapolis support group meets monthly at Mayflower. Click here for PFLAG information.