Honorable Senator Ken Nnamani
President of the Senate
Owa Building
Amichi-Uwani
Awkunanaw
Enugu South, Enugu State
NIGERIA
Honorable Senator Ibrahim Mantu
Deputy President of Senate
Panshin Road Opposite Mangu Local Government Secretariat
Mangu, Plateau
NIGERIA
Honorable Senator Nnamani and Honorable Senator Mantu:
It has been called to our attention that a bill now before the National Assembly would strip a section of the Nigerian people of their basic human rights. The Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2006 goes far beyond banning equality in civil marriage. It is an assault on everyone’s basic freedoms. As leaders of faith communities, we believe that respecting the dignity of every human being is a core spiritual value. We urge you as civic leaders to respect human dignity by rejecting this bill.
It has been called to our attention that a bill now before the National Assembly would strip a section of the Nigerian people of their basic human rights. The Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2006 goes far beyond banning equality in civil marriage. It is an assault on everyone’s basic freedoms. As leaders of faith communities, we believe that respecting the dignity of every human being is a core spiritual value. We urge you as civic leaders to respect human dignity by rejecting this bill.
The bill says that the law will provide five years imprisonment to anyone who “goes through the ceremony of marriage with a person of the same sex,” helps or supports a same sex marriage, or “is involved in the registration of gay clubs, societies and organizations, sustenance, procession or meetings, publicity and public show of same sex amorous relationship directly or indirectly in public and in private.” It will also prohibit adoption of children by lesbian or gay couples or individuals. Arresting people for these acts challenges fundamental freedoms under the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law and standards, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
This proposed legislation also hurts Nigeria in its struggle to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. This bill would drive part of the population deeper into invisibility and silence—cutting them off from any sort of education concerning how to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS.
The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights affirms the equality of all people. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Nigeria acceded to in 1993, protects the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, freedom of assembly and freedom of association. The United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders says that “everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, at the national and international levels: a) to meet or assemble peacefully; b) to form, join and participate in non-governmental organizations, associations or groups.”
Most importantly, this bill would strike at the equality, dignity and respect due all people in Nigeria. As faith leaders we are committed to building bridges of understanding across divides of difference. We believe all people of faith are called to work together for a world of justice, peace and equality. We urge you to resist the polarizing rhetoric of some narrow, religious ideologues and instead affirm the fundamental values of freedom reflected in the Nigerian Constitution.
We are asking that you oppose this bill and protect the equality of all Nigerians. Your assistance is necessary in order to overcome the discrimination that takes place in the world today. We are depending on you to do all you can to prevent this bill from being passed and to take a stand for the basic human rights of all people.
Sincerely,
Rev. Dyan Abena McCray
Founding Pastor of Unity Fellowship Church
A Member of the Unity Fellowship Church Christian Movement
Washington, DC
Rev. Paul R. Abernathy
Rector, St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Capitol Hill
Washington, DC
Jonathan Abernethy
Assistant to the Executive Officer
Episcopal Diocese of California
San Francisco, CA
Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman
Metropolitan Community Church of New York
Landisville, PA
Rev. Dr. Jane Adams Spahr
That All May Freely Serve
San Rafael, CA
Rev. Elizabeth Alexander
The Church of Gethsemane
Brooklyn, NY
Rev. Donna E. Allen, Ph.D.
Founder and Pastor
New Revelation Community Church
Oakland, CA
Rev. Dr. Robert C. Angus
Parish Associate, Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church
Washington, DC
Rev. Dr. Randall C. Bailey
Andrew W. Mellon Professor of Hebrew Bible
Interdenominational Theological Center
Atlanta, GA
George Balgan
Clergy-in-residence
Metropolitan Community Church of Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV
Rev. Earl David Ball
Ordained Minister in the United Church of Christ, USA
Easton, PA
Rev. Canon Michael Barlowe
The Episcopal Diocese of California
San Francisco, CA
Rev. Anne K. Bartlett
Rector, Trinity Episcopal Church
Ashland, OR
William Bartosh and Anthony Saponate
Lay Vicars
St Matthew's Episcopal Church
San Ardor, CA
Rev. Karen Bear Ride
Presbyterian Church
Rev. Joan Van Becelaere
Vice President for Student Services
The Iliff School of Theology
Denver, CO
Rev. Michel Belt
Rector
St. James Church
New London, CT
Rev. Wilfredo Benitez
St. Anselm of Canterbury Episcopal Church
Garden Grove, CA
Rev. J. Brad Benson
Rector, St. Thomas' Church
Church of the Good Shepherd
Bath, NY
Rev. James N. Birkitt, Jr.
Communications Director
Metropolitan Community Churches
Rev. Susan N. Blue
Rector
St. Margarets Episcopal Church
Washington, DC
Rev.Teresa T. Bowden
Wahiawa, HI
Rev. Polly M. Bowen
Diocesan Coordinator
Education for Ministry, Diocese of Western New York
Rev. John Paul Boyer
M.V.D., M.Div., M.A.
Rector, St David's Episcopal Church, West Seneca, NY
Bishop's Theologian, The Episcopal Diocese of Western New York
Ecumenical & Interfaith Officer, The Episcopal Diocese of Western New York
John Clinton Bradley
Integrity
Rev. Wayne T. Bradley
Minister of Music
The First Congregational Church of Forest Glen
United Church of Christ
Chicago, IL
Rev. Pamela C. Braid
Pastor
United Church of Christ.
Orlando, FL
Rev. Judith Brain
Pilgrim United Church of Christ
Lexington, MA
Rev. Elder Lillie Brock
Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches – Region 7
Rev. Dr. Ken Brooker Langston
Director, Disciples Justice Action Network
Rev.Lea D. Brown
Pastor
Wichita Falls Metropolitan Community Church
Wichita Falls, KS
Rev. M. F. Buckingham
St. Peter's Episcopal
Niagara Falls, NY
Rev. Pat Bumgardner
Senior Pastor
Metropolitan Community Church of New York
Rev. Felix A. Burrows, Jr.
Presbyterian Church
Washington, DC
Rev. Laine Calloway
Diocese of WNC
Chair of Gay and Lesbian Ministries
Rev. Dr. Phil Campbell
Iliff School of Theology
Denver, CO
Greg Carey
Associate Professor
Lancaster, PA
Rev. Lee J. Carlton
Senior Pastor
Cornerstone Metro Community Church of Mobile, AL
Rev. Michelle Carmody
Metropolitan Community Church
Rev. Dr. Mari E. Castellanos
Public Life and Social Policy Office
United Church of Christ
Rev. Ignacio Castuera
Pastor, United Methodist Church
Right Reverend John Bryson Chane
Eighth Bishop of Washington
Episcopal Diocese of Washington
Rev. Otis Charles
Bishop of Utah (retired)
San Francisco, CA
Beryl T. Choi
Priest in the Episcopal Church of the USA
Rev. Dr. Ken Clark
Retired Canon Theologian and sometimes dean
St. John's Episcopal Cathedral
Albuquerque, NM
Rev. Dr. Deborah L. Clark
Ordained Minister in the United Church of Christ
Pastor of Edwards UCC
Framingham, MA
Rev. James A Clark Jr.
Indianapolis, IN
Lars Clausen
Ordained Lutheran Pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Pamela Cooper-White, Ph.D.
Professor of Pastoral Theology
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia
and Adjunct Priest
St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church
Philadephia, PA
Rev. Colin Coward
Director of Changing Attitude England
Jimmy Creech
Executive Director
Faith In America, Inc.
Raleigh, NC
Rev. Laurie Crelly
United Church of Christ
White Bear Lake, MN
Rev. Karen Curtis-Weakley
Rev. Richard L Dalton
Pastor
Metropolitan Community Church of the Sierras
Reno, NV
Rev. Martha Daniels
Metropolitan Community Church – Windsor
Windsor, ON, Canada
Rev. Ann B. Day
ONA Program Coordinator
UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns
Rev. Susan G. De George
South Presbyterian Church
Dobbs Ferry, NY
Rev. Maureen Doherty
Rector
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
Waverly, IA
Rev. Philip W. Dougharty
Rector
St. John's Grace Episcopal Church
Buffalo, NY
Rev. Dr. Stanley L. Dull
Rector
The Church of the Epiphany
Cape Coral, FL
Rev. David W. Dyson
Pastor
Lafayette Ave. Presbyterian Church
Brooklyn, NY
Rev. Dr. Christopher East
Co-Pastor
Epiphany Presbyterian Church
Emily Eastwood
Executive Director
Lutherans Concerned/North America
Rev. Terri Echelbarger
Peninsula Metropolitan Community Church
San Mateo, CA
Rev. Lynn Chester Edwards
Retired Episcopal Priest
Diocese of Pittsburgh, PA
Rev. Paul W. Egertson, Ph.D.
Bishop Emeritus
Southwest California Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Ken Ehrke
Senior Pastor
Agape Metropolitan Community Church
Fort Worth, TX
Rev. John A. Ekman
Presbyterian and New England Congregational Church
Saratoga Springs, NY
Rev. Marvin M. Ellison, Ph.D.
Willard S. Bass Professor of Christian Ethics
Bangor Theological Seminary
Portland, ME
Christine Emery
Pilgrim Congregational Church
Lexington, MA
Rev. Mary-Lu' Esposito
Rindge, NH
Rev. Allen W. Farabee
Director
The Religion and Human Rights Project
Buffalo, NY
Rev. Jill Farnham, M.Div.
Co-pastor
Metropolitan Community Church of the Hudson Valley
Rev. John T. Farrell, Ph.D.
Rector
Christ Church Bay Ridge
Brooklyn, NY
Rev. Jerre W. Feagin
Rector
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
North Tonawanda, NY
Rev. Dr. Terry Fitzgerald
Pastor
United Congregational Church United Church of Christ
Worcester, MA
Rev. David K. Fly
Episcopal priest (retired)
Rolla, MO
Rev. Ann Fontain
Diocese of Wyoming, WY
The Episcopal Church
Rev. Dr. John C. Forney
Episcopal
Coordinator, Common Ground and Special Projects
Progressive Christians Uniting
Chino, CA
Rev. Anne C Fowler
Rector
St John's Episcopal Church
Jamaica Plain, MA
Rev. Robert Gamble
Retired Elder
Minnesota Annual Conference United Methodist Church
Faith Family Fairness Alliance
Rev. J. Michael Garrison, D. D.
Bishop of the Episcop Diocese of Western New York
Buffalo, NY
Rev. Christopher George.
Metropolitan Community Church Lubbock
Lubbock, TX
Rev. David Gillentine
Associate Pastor
Metropolitan Community Church of Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV
Rev. Robert Jay Ginn, Jr
The Oratory of St. Francis (Episcopal)
Templeton, MA
Rev. Katharine Givens Kime
Trinity Presbyterian Church
Atlanta, GA
Rev. Todd I. Goewey
Staff Clergy
Metropolitan Community Church of Tampa
Tampa, FL
Rev. Harry T. Grace, Jr.
Executive Director
Happening National Incorporated a ministry of The Episcopal Church for high school students
Rev. G. Green
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
Kenosha, WI
Rev. Louise Green
Director of Social Justice Ministries
All Souls Unitarian, Washington, D.C.
Rev. Lowell E. Grisham
Rector
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, AR
Rev. Lauren A. Gough
The Caritas Community
Binghamton, NY
Rev. Edgar A. Gutiérrez-Duarte
Associate Rector
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Paterson, NJ
Rev. Debra W. Haffner
Religious Institute
Norwalk, CT
Rev. Susan Halcomb Craig
Honorably Retired
Presbyterian Church
Scott Haldeman
PhD, Assistant Professor of Worship
Chicago Theological Seminary
Chicago, IL
Rev. C. Melissa Hall
All Saints Episcopal Parish of Hoboken
Hoboken, NJ
Nancy A. Hardesty
Professor of Religion
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
Douglas Harding-Elder
Faith Full Gospel Fellowship
Castro Valley, CA
Rev. Michael E. Hartney
Priest in Charge
Episcopal Parishes of Schuyler County, NY
Rev. Dr. Stan Hastey
Executive Director
Alliance of Baptists
Washington, D.C.
Rev. Margaret R. Hawk
Pastor
New Creation Metropolitan Community Church
Columbus, OH
Dr. Holly E. Hearon
Prof. of New Testament
Christian Theological Seminary
Indianapolis, IN
Rev. Pat Hendrickson
Rev. John Mark Hild
Pastor
Metropolitan Community Church of Pueblo Colorado
Colorado, CO
Lida I. Hill
Leader for Wonderful Wednesday Worship at Grace by Day
Birmingham, AL
Rev. John B. Hills
Priest (retired)
The Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan
Grand Haven, MI
Rev. Canon Jack Hilyard
Trinity Cathedral
Portland, OR
Rev. Malcolm Himschoot
UCC
Plymouth Congregational Church
Minneapolis, MN
Rev. Dr. Judith Hoch Wray
Minister Elder
Park Avenue Christian Church,
New York, NY
Rev. Virginia Holleman
The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration
Dallas, TX
Rev. Michael W. Hopkins
Rector
The Episcopal Church of St. Luke & St. Simon Cyrene
Rochester, NY
Rev. D. Scott Howell, Sr. Pastor
First Congregational Church of Montclair, NJ
Mary E. Hunt
Women's Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual (WATER)
Silver Spring, MD
Rev. Michael Hydes
New Light Metropolitan Community Church
Hagerstown, MD
Rev. Canon John X. Jobson
Retired Priest
Diocese of Long Island, NY
Rev. Patricia Johnson
Deacon
Episcopal Diocese of Iowa
Sioux City, IA
Rev. Jonalu Johnstone
Minister
First Unitarian Church in Oklahoma City
President, Interweave Continental
Rev. John M. Kauffman
Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church
Altadena, CA
Martha S. Kimball
Member of Church Council and Former Chair and
Current member of the Open and Affirming Committee
Pilgrim Congregational Church UCC
Lexington, MA
Rev. John L. Kirkley
Rector
The Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist
San Francisco, CA
Harry Knox
Director of Religion and Faith Program
Human Rights Campaign Foundation
Washington, DC
Rev. Dan Koeshall
Pastor
Pikes Peak Metropolitan Community Church
Colorado Springs, CO
Rev. Drew A. Kovach
MD, MDiv.
Fellowship of Saints Cosmas & Damien
New Catholic Communion
Honolulu, HI
Rev. Peter Laarman
Executive Director
Progressive Christians Uniting
Los Angeles, CA
Rev. Ronald G. LaRocque
Interim Pastor
Holy Covenant Metropolitan Community Church
Brookfield, IL
Rev. Martin Lawrence
Priest-in-Charge
Church of England Parish of Cranham
Diocese of Chelmsford, MA
Robert Leckey
Archdeacon of Undermount
Diocese of Niagara
Rector
Church of the Redeemer
Stoney Creek, Ontario
Geoff D. Leonard-Robinson
Senior Minister
St. Luke's Metropolitan Community Church
Jacksonville, FL
Steven Leonard-Robinson
Member
St. Luke's Metropolitan Community Church
Jacksonville, FL
Rev. Joanne Leslie, Deacon
Holy Faith Episcopal Church
Inglewood, CA
Rev. David T. Lewicki
Associate Minister
Marble Collegiate Church
New York, NY
Rev. Kate Lewis
St. Cross by-the-Sea Episcopal Church
Hermosa Beach, CA
John M. Lewis, Senior Warden
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, AR
Rev. W. Wayne Lindsey
Senior Pastor
Metropolitan Community Church of Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV
Rev. Arthur S. Lloyd
Retired Priest
Episcopal Church
Member, Episcopal Network for Economic Justice and Episcopal Urban Caucus, OH
Carol Lowe
Clergy Intern
Peninsula Metropolitan Community Church
San Mateo, CA
Rev. Ms. Vanessa L. Lovelace
Rev. Sandra R. Mackie
RN, MC
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Peter J. Madison
St. John’s Episcopal Church
Union City, NJ
Rev. Dr. Jerry S. Maneker
Bruce Kent Mason
MSW
Western Regional Vice President
Integrity, Inc.
SS Peter and Paul Episcopal Church
Portland, OR
C. Lee MacCallum
Pastor
Olivet Presbyterian Church
Staten Island, NY
Rev. Wayne MacPherson
Pastor, Bethlehem United Church of Christ
Chicago, IL
Rev. Lou McAlister East
Co-Pastor
Epiphany Presbyterian Church
Rev. Richard W. McCarty
Moderator
Holy Relationships
Rev.Deacon Leann P. McConchie
Episcopal Diocese of Western New York, ECUSA
Rev. Janet McCune Edwards, Ph.D.
Pittsburgh, PA
The Rev. Deacon Marla McGarry-Lawrence
St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church
Portland, Oregon
Rev. Joseph McGowan
Pastor, Altadena Community Church
United Church of Christ
Altadena, CA
Rev. Colleen McHale O'Connor
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
LeRoy, NY
Rev. Jack McKinney
Pastor
Pullen Memorial Baptist Church
Raleigh, NC
Rev. Jeremy McLeod, Pastor
Wellspring United Church of Christ
Centreville, Virginia
Rev. Bradley E. Mickelson, Pastor
New Spirit Community Church in Oak Park, IL
Rev. Terri Miller Senior Pastor
Valley Ministries Metropolitan Community Church
Rev. Babs Miller
That All May Freely Serve, TX
Rev. Ronald H. Miller, Ph. D.
Episcopal priest (retired)
St. Katherine of Alexandria Episcopal Church
Diocese of Maryland. MD
Rev. Edward J. Mills III
Episcopal priest, Kingsport, TN
Rev. Albert N. Minor
Ecumenical Officer
Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee
Rev. Charles Mitchell, PhD.
Parish Associate
First Presbyterian Church in the City of New York
Pastor Robert L. Morgan
Founding Pastor, Potter's House Fellowship Church
Co-founder, Reconciling Pentecostals International
Tampa, FL
Bonnie Moore
Deacon
Church of the Trinity Metropolitan Community Church
Sarasota, FL
Rev. Paul E. Mullins
Pastor
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
San Francisco, CA
Rev. Wes Mullins, Assistant Pastor
Metropolitan Community Church of Portland
Rev. Thomas E. Murphy
Retired Episcopal priest
Ashland, OR
Rev. Robyn A. Murphy
Pastor of Christian Education
All God's Children Metropolitan Community Church
Minneapolis, MN
Rev. Dr. Max A. Myers
Episcopal Priest in the Diocese of Western New York
Rev. Dr. Alex Nagy
Rev. Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock
Director, Faith Voices for the Common Good
Member First Congregational Church Berkeley, CA
Rev. Russell A. Newbert
Church of the Ascension
Buffalo, NY
Canon Richard T. Nolan, Ph.D.
Retired Priest-in-Residence
Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church
Lake Worth, FL
Fr. Steve Norcross
Episcopal priest in Portland, Oregon
Rev. David Norgard
Principal
West Hollywood, CA
Rev. William J. Nottingham, Ph.D.,
President Emeritus
Division of Overseas Ministries, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the US and Canada
Rev. Dr. Kenneth H. Orth
United Church of Christ Minister with Standing in the Metropolitan Boston Association of the United Church of Christ
Member of Old South Church in Boston
Boston, MA
Rev. Canon Ronald D. Osborne
Episcopal Church, Diocese of Iowa
Dr. Jane Park Cutler
Chair, Social Justice Committee
St. Luke's United Methodist Church
Indianapolis, IN
Rev. Dr. Janet L. Parker
Pastor for Parish Life
Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ
Atlanta, GA
Rev. Edward J. Peck, Jr.
Episcopal Priest, retired
Rev. Ken Pennings
Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists
Madison, WI
Rev. Thomas J. Philipp
Old South Haven Presbyterian Church
Brookhaven, NY
Rev. Mark Pridmore
Pastor
Eternal Joy Metropolitan Community Church
Dayton, OH
Don Portwood
Pastor and on behalf of Lyndale United Church of Christ
Minneapolis, MN
Rev. Dusty Pruitt, D. Min.
Minister, United Church of Christ
Rev. Marge Ragona
Pastor
Bethel – A House of God for All People
Birmingham, AL
Annie Rawlings
M.Div.
Interim Associate Executive Presbyter for Social Witness
Presbytery of New York City
New York, NY
Rev. Michael F. Ray
Rector
St. Thomas's Episcopal Church
New Haven, CT
The Rev. Rodney Reinhart
Rector of St. Clement's Episcopal Church
Harvey Illinois
Vicar of St. Joseph/St. Aidan's Episcopal Church
Blue Island ,IL
Nigel A. Renton
Secretary of Convention and Lay Deputy
Diocese of California, CA
David Reppert
Moderator, Philadelphia Association
United Church of Christ
The Rev. Canon Virginia Rex Day
Rector
Trinity Episcopal Church
Mt. Pocono, PA
C. Jack Richards
Interim Conference Minister
Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ
Rev. Alex L. Richardson
Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro
Jamestown, NC
Rev. Becky Robbins-Penniman
Lamb of God Church
Fort Myers, FL
Rev. V. Gene Robinson
Bishop of New Hampshire
The Episcopal Church
Stephen P. Rockwell
Managing Director
CrossLeft
Rev. Susan Russell
All Saints Episcopal Church
Pasadena, CA
Rev. John A. Russell
Vicar
St. Patrick's Episcopal Church
Cheektowaga, NY
Rev. Barbara S. Sagat
Metropolitan Community Churches
Waterville, MA
Rev. Jason W. Samuel
Transfiguration Episcopal Church
Lake St. Louis, MO
Rev. Hugh Sanborn
Fort Collins, CO
Rev. Sarah Sanderson Doughty
Pastor
First Presbyterian Church of Lowville, NY
Barbara Satin
Former Moderator
United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns
Rev. Paulette T. Schiff
Priest in the Episcopal Church
Long Island, NY
Rev. Mike Schuenemeyer
Executive
Health and Wholeness Advocacy
Wider Church Ministries
United Church of Christ
Cleveland, OH
Rev. Kay Seitz
Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Dallas
Denton, TX
Bishop John Selders, Jr.
Pastor
Amistad United Church of Christ
Bishop Presider – The Interdenominational Conference of Liberation Congregations and Ministries, Inter'l (ICLCM)
Rev. David Selzer
The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd
Buffalo, NY
Rev. Glenna T. Shepherd
Senior Minister
Metropolitan Community Church of Portland
Portland, OR
Most Rev. Mark S. Shirilau, Ph.D.
Archbishop and Primate
The Ecumenical Catholic Church
Irvine, CA
Gordon L. Shull
Elder
First Presbyterian Church of Wooster, OH
Rev. Dr. Candace R. Shultis
Metropolitan Community Church
Washington, DC
Rev. William G. Sinkford
President
Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations
Rev. Doreen Smalls
Pastor
St. Mary's Circuit of The United Methodist Church
Rev. Robert R. Smith
Rector
Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion
Norwood, NJ
Rev. Robert R. Smith
Rector
Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion
Norwood, NJ
Rev. Christopher A. Smith
Albany Via Media Board
St. Ann's Episcopal Church
Amsterdam, NY
Rev. Trudie Smither
St. Christopher's Episcopal Church
Dallas, TX
Rev. Stephen B. Snider
The Episcopal Church
Dr. Jennifer Snow
Associate Director
Progressive Christians Uniting
Los Angeles, CA
Rev. Tim Solon
M.Div.
Rector Emeritus
St. Christopher's Episcopal Church
Cheyenne, WY
Rev. Danny Spears
MDiv.
Pastor
Metropolitan Community Church of Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, TX
Rev. Daniel Stern
Pastor
Broadview Community United Church of Christ
Seattle, WA
Rev.Robert E. Stiefel, Ph.D.
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Dover, NH
Rev. Jennifer H. Stiefel, Ph.D.
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Dover, NH
Claire A. Stiles, Ph.D.
Professor of Human Development
Eckerd College
St. Petersburg, FL
Rev. Ralph W. Strohm
St. Simon's Church
Buffalo, NY
Rev. Diane Souder
Priest, Episcopal Church
Diocese of Arizona
Rev. Jean K. Southard
Stated Supply Pastor
First Presbyterian Church of Waltham, MA
Rev. Marilyle Sweet Page
St. Mark's & St. John's Episcopal Church
Rochester, NY
Rev. N. Sullivan
Word of Fire Ministries
Philadelphia, PA
Rev. Charles R. Sydnor, Jr.
Ecumenical and Interfaith Officer
The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia
Rev. Neil A. Tadken
Assistant Rector
St. James’ Church
Los Angeles, CA
Rev. Dr. Susan Thistlethwaite
President and Professor of Theology
Chicago Theological Seminary, IL
Rev. Neil G Thomas
Senior Pastor
Metropolitan Community Church Los Angeles
West Hollywood, CA
Rev. Lisa A Thompson
The Gathering Place Worship Center
Austin, TX
Sharon P. Troyer, Ph.D.
Welcoming Community Network
Independence, MO
Jane Tully
Clergy Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays
New York, NY
Rev. Karha` Us, MSN
Co-pastor
Metropolitan Community Church of the Hudson Valley, NY
Rev. Charles Valenti-Hein
Pastor, Memorial Presbyterian Church
Appleton, WI
Rev. Frieda Van Baalen Webb
Associate, Saint David's Church
West Seneca
Episcopal Diocese of Western New York
Rev. Mieke Vandersall
Presbyterian Welcome
New York, NY
Rev. Rebecca Voelkel
Program Director
Institute for Welcoming Resources
Rev. James W. Walkup
Doctor of Ministry
The Counseling Center
The Reformed Church
Bronxville, NY
Rev. Paul E. Walker
Vicar
Christ Episcopal Church
Belleville, NJ
Rev. Gene Waller Owens
Deacon
Diocese of Atlanta, GA
Rev. Stephen J Waller
Rector
St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church
Dallas, TX
Rev. Stephen J. Waller
Rector
The Episcopal Church of St. Thomas the Apostle
Dallas, TX
Rev. Kerry Walters
Deacon
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
Lewisburg, PA
Rev. Canon Daniel S. Weir
Rector
Saint Matthias Episcopal Church
East Aurora, NY
Carole Weissman
Deacon
Church of the Trinity Metropolitan Community Church
Sarasota, FL
Nevin L. Wertenberger
Metropolitan Church Ocala
Ocala, FL
Rev. Mona West, Ph.D.
Pastor
Church of the Trinity MCC
Sarasota, FL
Troy Wheelhouse
MDiv.
Atlanta, GA
Rev. Stephen J. C. Williams
Episcopal Church USA
Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson
Moderator
Metropolitan Community Church
Rev. Catherine Windsor
The Episcopal Church USA
Bonnie Winninger
Waverly, IA
Rev. Canon William L. Wipfler, Ph.D.
Former Director of the Human Rights Office
National Council of Churches USA;
Former Associate for Human Rights
Anglican Office at the United Nations
Rev. R. Stewart Wood, Jr.
Retired Episcopal Bishop, Diocese of Michigan
Quechee, VT
Dawnne Woodie
Executive Director, Outreach Program for Transgenders In Crisis
Rev. Thomas B. Woodward
St. Bede's Episcopal Church
Santa Fe, NM
Rev. S. David Wynn
Church of the Trinity Metropolitan Community Church
Sarasota, FL
OTHER:
All Saints Episcopal Parish of Hoboken
Hoboken, NJ
Bethel – A House of God for All People
Birmingham, AL
Faith Family Fairness Alliance
Minneapolis MN
Glendale City Seventh-day Adventist Church, California
Mitchell F. Henson, Senior Pastor
Pastor Michael Quishenberry
Pastor Denise Kasischke
New Spirit Community Church
Oak Park, IL
Saint Augustine by-the-Sea Episcopal Church
Santa Monica, CA
St. Luke's Metropolitan Community Church
Jacksonville, FL
CC:
His Excellency Olusegun Obasanjo, President of the Republic
Senator Oserheimen Osunbor, Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary
Senator Julius Ucha, Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary
Aminu Bello Masari, Speaker of the House of Representatives
Honorable Bala Ibn Na' Allah, Chair, House Committee on the Judiciary
Honorable Saudatu Sani, Chair, House Committee on Women Affairs and Youth
Honorable Peter Igbodo, Chair, House Committee on Human Rights
National Human Rights Commission
