Testimony given before the legislature
at the State House in Boston, Massachusetts,
on October 23, 2003 by Pastor Judith Hanlon,
Hadwen Park Congregational Church, UCC, Worcester, Mass.

“I address my remarks to one of the last statements in a “traditional” liturgy for marriage.
“By the power vested in me by the state of Massachusetts, I now pronounce you………….”

My name is Judith Hanlon, I pastor Hadwen Park Congregational Church in Worcester, Mass.
I belong to the United Church of Christ the largest Protestant denomination in the
Commonwealth, rooted in Congregationalism from the 1600s. Christo-centric,
honoring Holy Scripture as guide
for faithful living, the first openly gay clergy was ordained into this denomination (UCC) in 1972.
Where were the Episcopalians?

I believe, after faithful research, that the 5-8 “gay” texts in the Bible speak about
temple prostitution and rape, not faithful, covenanted, monogamous same sex relationships.
I counsel gay couples for life long commitments of mutuality, just as I do straight couples.
*NO elephants. Never a threesome.

(*I added these words– “no elephants……and never a threesome!”) -- in response to a man
who testified just before I testified. He claimed that he USED to be gay and isn’t now.
He asked the question – where do we draw the line?……..what is marriage, a man, and a man?
A woman and a woman. A man and a woman and an elephant? Or is it two men and a woman?
..it was so reductionary and condescending to the faithful couples that I know, that I felt I
needed to respond with an ethical statement. (It actually brought the house down and GOT
the attention of the legislators who were NOT listening!)

However, I came to believe that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered folk were created
by God as I looked at the extravagant and exponential variations in the creation.
From skin color to flower types, from ocean depths to mountain heights, I see a God who loves
the nuances, fires nightly a different sunset and chisels every snowflake uniquely.
Difference seems to be the cacophony of creation. Why not with sexuality?

When I came to believe that sexuality is created by God, it became untenable, as a pastor,
to honor UNIONS of love differently. I pray that you will change the laws that
force such inequity.

I also have spent 10 years talking to the lgbtq community. I found their stories of love and
affection more like my own than different. I just am attracted to men….tall,
thin and rich!….just kidding! They, to a person of the same gender.
Together we dreamed of growing up, falling in love, and getting married.
I realized that dream, hope to again, and they cannot. It is not fair.

On a Sunday morning, I look out from the pulpit on a congregation of about 250 members.
I see Betty Jane and George. I also see Johnnie and Yianni, a gay couple.
They own homes, go to work, pay taxes, and tithe (well sort of!…….) As a minister of
the gospel of Jesus Christ, as a lover of this GREAT God of ours …. by the power vested in me
by the state of Massachusetts (that would be YOU!), I must treat their love unequally.
It breaks my heart.

Will you break through and offer to Johnnie and Yianni the same domestic tranquility
promised to Betty Jane and George?

On August 11, 2001, I officiated at a Holy Union. I could find no music.
I wrote this song. Imagine a sanctuary, before the altar where we partake of the bread
and share the cup of salvation. Envision two handsome, tuxed, teary men, hardworking,
Christian, tender with their children beside them crying softly – as we sang these words to them.

On my honor, I will love you
I will keep the dinner on for you
Together we’ll grow old
We’ll turn the album pages
And a history will unfold
And all the states
( I turned and looked at them, and said, THAT WOULD BE YOU!)
And all the powers
That fashion, shape and name
Will pale and seem so powerless
When I today bring nothing less
…….than my honor

In the novel of our journey
In the story of our days
Things will change most certainly
And grace will find a way
But today, we bring this Family
To this feast of kindred hearts
With celebration’s bounty on our plate
We taste the precious, sacred, holy weight
……of love’s honor.

Please equalize the POWER VESTED IN ME by the state of Massachusetts and offer
the same rights and protection to Johnnie and Yianni that Betty Jane and George have.

In the name of our flamboyant and colorful God, through Jesus Christ, my radical and
outrageous brother, and by the power ultimately only vested through the HOLY SPIRIT
of the Creator God.

Thank you for your courage.
Judith Hanlon
gracelift@aol.com
www.passagesmusic.com