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The Do Unto Others Group at Pikes Peak MCC has consistently been one of the churches most active outreach
groups representing the church.
This month Trudy shares updates on needs and happenings with this dynamic bunch of individuals.
Do Unto Others meets the first Thursdays of the month at Pikes Peak MCC at 5:30 P.M. and is an open to all
members and friends of the church.
Have you ever been curious about the work going on to reclaim the "scars" on the mountains on the city's
northwest side?
Now you can see one of the reclamation projects up close and personal, help raise money for future work, and, at
the same time, get to know other church folks and friends on an easy 2.5 mile hike. Castle Concrete and the
Colorado Mountain Reclamation Foundation (CMRF) are sponsoring the first annual Quarry Quest on Saturday,
Aug. 25, starting with registration at 8 a.m. The cost is $20 for adults and $12 for kids 12 and under if you sign up
before Aug. 23. The cost increases by $5 the day of the hike. Because of the nature of the project, no dogs are
allowed on the hike.
The event includes, a free T-shirt and breakfast under the big tent, chances to win prizes, and country western
music provided by the Wheelbillies. The hike through Pikeview Quarry, which has a 950-foot gain in elevation,
loops through forest, the limestone quarry and reclaimed areas. Limestone from Pikeview Quarry has provided
building material for the Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs Airport and many office buildings, homes and
streets. Hike participants will get to see the huge operational machinery, and a post reclamation model.
A group, being put together by the Do Unto Others social action committee, is planning to leave from the PPMCC
parking lot at 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 25. If you are interested in joining this group, please email welshgerch@msn.com
by Thursday Aug. 23, so we will know to look for you. Forms to register in advance for the hike will be available in
the church social hall. To get the special $20 advance registration rate, you must mail them in by Aug. 23 to
CMRF, P.O. Box 6327, Colorado Springs, CO 80934.
Update for the Homeless Project
The collection of items for the homeless individuals, due by Aug. 12, is going well. Lists of needed items are
available on the signup poster or the collection tub, both of which are in the church social hall. Volunteers are still
needed to help prepare, serve and clean up the dinner on Aug. 12 at Colorado College's Shove Chapel. Please
sign up on the poster at the head of the stairs in the social hall.
A few members of Do Unto Others were not able to volunteer on Aug. 12, due to scheduling conflicts, so they will
be serving at the Aug. 5 dinner at Colorado College, leaving from our church about 12:30 p.m. If you would like to
hook up with this group, please talk to Trudy.
Cell Phones Benefit Domestic Abuse Victims
Have you switched cell phone providers or upgraded your phone? You can put the old equipment to a good use.
DUO will set up a marked box in the church's social hall to collect cell phones and chargers, of all ages, to donate
to Tessa, a local group dedicated to helping the victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. The phones will be
reprogrammed so victims can use them to call 911 in emergency situations.
In the box, you also may donate personal hygiene items, curling irons, hair dryers, diapers and other baby items
for the group. Tessa clients DO NOT need clothing donations, as those items are provided free through Goodwill.
Please donate the items at church, at least for the time being, because Tessa is in the process of moving to a
new location. To learn more about in-kind donation needs, you may contact Tessa at 633-1462 Ext. 7.
Update for the Can Drive:
The aluminum can drive for polio shots is Afghanistan has now raised $226. The next pickup date for large
amounts of cans will be the fourth Sunday, which is Aug. 26. A pickup will be available that Sunday after the two
church services and at the church picnic at Bear Creek Park. Smaller amounts of cans can be dropped off in the
specially-marked recycling can in the social hall on any Sunday or during the church office hours, Monday
through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Save Those Shoeboxes
PPMCC will again be participating in Operation Christmas Child this fall, and will be in need of shoeboxes to fill
with toys and goodies to send to children in various countries around the world.
Boxes may be placed in one of the other tubs in the social hall. Also, if you would like to make a donation to cover
the mailing of the boxes, please see Sharon in the church office or Trudy.
groups representing the church.
This month Trudy shares updates on needs and happenings with this dynamic bunch of individuals.
Do Unto Others meets the first Thursdays of the month at Pikes Peak MCC at 5:30 P.M. and is an open to all
members and friends of the church.
- ~Ed.
- Hike Pikeview Quarry
- By Trudy
Have you ever been curious about the work going on to reclaim the "scars" on the mountains on the city's
northwest side?
Now you can see one of the reclamation projects up close and personal, help raise money for future work, and, at
the same time, get to know other church folks and friends on an easy 2.5 mile hike. Castle Concrete and the
Colorado Mountain Reclamation Foundation (CMRF) are sponsoring the first annual Quarry Quest on Saturday,
Aug. 25, starting with registration at 8 a.m. The cost is $20 for adults and $12 for kids 12 and under if you sign up
before Aug. 23. The cost increases by $5 the day of the hike. Because of the nature of the project, no dogs are
allowed on the hike.
The event includes, a free T-shirt and breakfast under the big tent, chances to win prizes, and country western
music provided by the Wheelbillies. The hike through Pikeview Quarry, which has a 950-foot gain in elevation,
loops through forest, the limestone quarry and reclaimed areas. Limestone from Pikeview Quarry has provided
building material for the Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs Airport and many office buildings, homes and
streets. Hike participants will get to see the huge operational machinery, and a post reclamation model.
A group, being put together by the Do Unto Others social action committee, is planning to leave from the PPMCC
parking lot at 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 25. If you are interested in joining this group, please email welshgerch@msn.com
by Thursday Aug. 23, so we will know to look for you. Forms to register in advance for the hike will be available in
the church social hall. To get the special $20 advance registration rate, you must mail them in by Aug. 23 to
CMRF, P.O. Box 6327, Colorado Springs, CO 80934.
Update for the Homeless Project
The collection of items for the homeless individuals, due by Aug. 12, is going well. Lists of needed items are
available on the signup poster or the collection tub, both of which are in the church social hall. Volunteers are still
needed to help prepare, serve and clean up the dinner on Aug. 12 at Colorado College's Shove Chapel. Please
sign up on the poster at the head of the stairs in the social hall.
A few members of Do Unto Others were not able to volunteer on Aug. 12, due to scheduling conflicts, so they will
be serving at the Aug. 5 dinner at Colorado College, leaving from our church about 12:30 p.m. If you would like to
hook up with this group, please talk to Trudy.
Cell Phones Benefit Domestic Abuse Victims
Have you switched cell phone providers or upgraded your phone? You can put the old equipment to a good use.
DUO will set up a marked box in the church's social hall to collect cell phones and chargers, of all ages, to donate
to Tessa, a local group dedicated to helping the victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. The phones will be
reprogrammed so victims can use them to call 911 in emergency situations.
In the box, you also may donate personal hygiene items, curling irons, hair dryers, diapers and other baby items
for the group. Tessa clients DO NOT need clothing donations, as those items are provided free through Goodwill.
Please donate the items at church, at least for the time being, because Tessa is in the process of moving to a
new location. To learn more about in-kind donation needs, you may contact Tessa at 633-1462 Ext. 7.
Update for the Can Drive:
The aluminum can drive for polio shots is Afghanistan has now raised $226. The next pickup date for large
amounts of cans will be the fourth Sunday, which is Aug. 26. A pickup will be available that Sunday after the two
church services and at the church picnic at Bear Creek Park. Smaller amounts of cans can be dropped off in the
specially-marked recycling can in the social hall on any Sunday or during the church office hours, Monday
through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Save Those Shoeboxes
PPMCC will again be participating in Operation Christmas Child this fall, and will be in need of shoeboxes to fill
with toys and goodies to send to children in various countries around the world.
Boxes may be placed in one of the other tubs in the social hall. Also, if you would like to make a donation to cover
the mailing of the boxes, please see Sharon in the church office or Trudy.
|
- Rev. Dan Koeshall
- I have a bookmark on my desk entitled "Determination" with a picture of an eagle on it. It
is inspiring to me - because I want to continually strive to soar like an eagle - untethered,
free and powerful.
- The inscription on the bookmark says, "God has designed and empowered us to be like
the eagle. Each day it's possible to reach another unknown height. Like the eagle, we
can choose to keep our eyes on the heights. Slowly, steadily, with determination, we can
I have this on my desk to remind myself - daily - of the truth in this statement. How are you feeling as we close the
summer of 2007? Are you feeling like a caged canary? Or are you feeling more like the soaring eagle?
There is a scripture verse that says "They that wait upon God shall renew their strength. They shall mount up
with wings like eagles!" What this tells me, is that my connection, my relationship, with God is important for my
daily success in life.
We're here to help you be successful with that relationship and connection to God. I look forward to seeing you at
one or more of our many opportunities to be together this month at Pikes Peak MCC.
Love and blessings,
|
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| August Prayer for Pikes Peak MCC Our God, remind us daily of the power of prayer in our lives. You taught your followers and teach us today that prayer changes everything, and is our closest connection to You. Guide us in prayer and in our lives today and every day. Amen. ~Matthew Keist |
|
submitted by Matthew Keist
On behalf of a non-conventional family who was recently the beneficiary of the generosity of PPMCC through the
Do Unto Others ministry, I was asked to submit the following:
"Though we wish to remain anonymous, we want to express our thanks to the Do Unto Others ministry of PPMCC
during a recent time of need in our family. We have experienced a loss of income, several unexpected large
expenses, and health issues in the last year. We had been looking to replace several pieces of furniture in our
house, but the money just wasn't in the budget. We heard about the donations that were available through
PPMCC, and made the contacts. We can't thank enough the people who donated, who we will never meet, and
the coordinators of the donations. Truly, it never would have happened without you. Not everyone approves of
our "lifestyle," or considers us a legitimate family. We're encouraged to know that there are others who don't
even know us who don't make those judgments. Thank you all again so much."
On behalf of a non-conventional family who was recently the beneficiary of the generosity of PPMCC through the
Do Unto Others ministry, I was asked to submit the following:
"Though we wish to remain anonymous, we want to express our thanks to the Do Unto Others ministry of PPMCC
during a recent time of need in our family. We have experienced a loss of income, several unexpected large
expenses, and health issues in the last year. We had been looking to replace several pieces of furniture in our
house, but the money just wasn't in the budget. We heard about the donations that were available through
PPMCC, and made the contacts. We can't thank enough the people who donated, who we will never meet, and
the coordinators of the donations. Truly, it never would have happened without you. Not everyone approves of
our "lifestyle," or considers us a legitimate family. We're encouraged to know that there are others who don't
even know us who don't make those judgments. Thank you all again so much."
| Can You See God? A small boy once approached his slightly older sister with a question about God. "Susie, can anybody ever really see God?" he asked. Busy with other things, Susie curtly replied: "No, of course not silly. God is so far up in heaven that nobody can see him." Time passed, but his question still lingered so he approached his mom: "Mom, can anybody ever really see God?" "No, not really," she gently said. "God is a spirit and he dwells in our hearts, but we can never really see Him." Somewhat satisfied but still wondering, the youngster went on his way. Not long afterwards, his saintly old grandfather took the little boy on a fishing trip. They were having a great time together. The sun was beginning to set with unusual splendor and the grandfather stared silently at the exquisite beauty unfolding before them. On seeing the face of his grandfather reflecting such deep peace and contentment, the little boy thought for a moment and finally spoke hesitatingly: "Granddad, I--I-- wasn't going to ask anybody else, but I wonder if you can tell me the answer to something I've been wondering about a long time. Can anybody--can anybody ever really see God?". The old man did not even turn his head. A long moment slipped by before he finally answered. "Son," he quietly said. "It's getting so I can't see anything else." ~Author Unknown |
True Love
By Barry and Joyce Vissell
Moses Mendelssohn, the grandfather of the well-known German composer, was far from being handsome. Along
with a rather short stature, he had a grotesque hunchback.
One day he visited a merchant in Hamburg who had a lovely daughter named Frumtje. Moses fell hopelessly in
love with her. But Frumtje was repulsed by his misshapen appearance.
When it came time for him to leave, Moses gathered his courage and climbed the stairs to her room to take one
last opportunity to speak with her. She was a vision of heavenly beauty, but caused him deep sadness by her
refusal to look at him. After several attempts at conversation, Moses shyly asked, “Do you believe marriages are
made in heaven?”
“Yes,” she answered, still looking at the floor. “And do you? ”
“Yes I do,” he replied. “You see, in heaven at the birth of each boy, the Lord announces which girl he will marry.
When I was born, my future bride was pointed out to me. Then the Lord added, ‘But your wife will be
humpbacked.’
“Right then and there I called out, ‘Oh Lord, a humpbacked woman would be a tragedy. Please, Lord, give me the
hump and let her be beautiful.’ ”
Then Frumtje looked up into his eyes and was stirred by some deep memory. She reached out and gave
Mendelssohn her hand and later became his devoted wife.
By Barry and Joyce Vissell
Moses Mendelssohn, the grandfather of the well-known German composer, was far from being handsome. Along
with a rather short stature, he had a grotesque hunchback.
One day he visited a merchant in Hamburg who had a lovely daughter named Frumtje. Moses fell hopelessly in
love with her. But Frumtje was repulsed by his misshapen appearance.
When it came time for him to leave, Moses gathered his courage and climbed the stairs to her room to take one
last opportunity to speak with her. She was a vision of heavenly beauty, but caused him deep sadness by her
refusal to look at him. After several attempts at conversation, Moses shyly asked, “Do you believe marriages are
made in heaven?”
“Yes,” she answered, still looking at the floor. “And do you? ”
“Yes I do,” he replied. “You see, in heaven at the birth of each boy, the Lord announces which girl he will marry.
When I was born, my future bride was pointed out to me. Then the Lord added, ‘But your wife will be
humpbacked.’
“Right then and there I called out, ‘Oh Lord, a humpbacked woman would be a tragedy. Please, Lord, give me the
hump and let her be beautiful.’ ”
Then Frumtje looked up into his eyes and was stirred by some deep memory. She reached out and gave
Mendelssohn her hand and later became his devoted wife.
- ~Barry Vissell (c) 1992 from Chicken Soup for the Soul by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen.
|
Ann Yenne, Pastoral Search Team Chairperson
Greetings on behalf of the Pastoral Search Team!
Just two months ago, the Board of Directors selected four members to join them in forming a team of people who
would lead the search for a new pastor. We have met four times to plan out our journey together. As we have
met, we remind one another of Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, "Trust in our God with all your heart; do not depend
on your own understanding. Seek God's will in all you do, and God will show you which path to take." We are
very aware that this process is God's, and we are to listen and follow.
Jonelle Neighbor brought an article to us from a National Geographic magazine. The topic was the mentality and
behavior of bees in a colony, and as she read it, we saw three things that we wanted to be mindful of as we
walked through this process. When bees are relocating their colony, they seek a diversity of options, they
encourage free competition of ideas, and they use an effective mechanism for selection. We will be mindful of
those three things as we move ahead.
We have been busily creating documents that present a picture of what type of pastor we want (Selection
Criteria), what our church looks like (Church Profile), and what our community looks like (Community Profile).
Those are posted on the website under the Pastoral Search Team link, along with our timeline and ground rules.
We were reminded by Reverend Elder Don Eastman that our team must be transparent in our process while
maintaining confidentiality of content. We must keep that confidentiality in order to ensure fairness to all
candidates. Please don't let that keep you from communicating with us, but understand that if you ask a question
that crosses a boundary of confidentiality, we may not be able to answer it. If you have a need to communicate
your thoughts to the committee, please direct them to me at ann@ppmcc.org. I will then bring them to the team.
Our next meeting will be August 11, and during that time we will be developing a pastoral contract and
compensation package, an application form and cover letter for our packet of information, as well as a protocol
and questions for initial interviews with applicants.
Thank you for entrusting us with this task. We are confident that God is at work in this. God has our best
interests at heart . . . a plan to prosper us, and not to harm us. Of that we can be confident. Please pray for us
as we continue to move ahead on this trek.
Ann Yenne for the Pastoral Search Team
Frank, Jonelle, Karen, Keir, Marshall, Matthew, Nora, Robin, and Sharon
Greetings on behalf of the Pastoral Search Team!
Just two months ago, the Board of Directors selected four members to join them in forming a team of people who
would lead the search for a new pastor. We have met four times to plan out our journey together. As we have
met, we remind one another of Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, "Trust in our God with all your heart; do not depend
on your own understanding. Seek God's will in all you do, and God will show you which path to take." We are
very aware that this process is God's, and we are to listen and follow.
Jonelle Neighbor brought an article to us from a National Geographic magazine. The topic was the mentality and
behavior of bees in a colony, and as she read it, we saw three things that we wanted to be mindful of as we
walked through this process. When bees are relocating their colony, they seek a diversity of options, they
encourage free competition of ideas, and they use an effective mechanism for selection. We will be mindful of
those three things as we move ahead.
We have been busily creating documents that present a picture of what type of pastor we want (Selection
Criteria), what our church looks like (Church Profile), and what our community looks like (Community Profile).
Those are posted on the website under the Pastoral Search Team link, along with our timeline and ground rules.
We were reminded by Reverend Elder Don Eastman that our team must be transparent in our process while
maintaining confidentiality of content. We must keep that confidentiality in order to ensure fairness to all
candidates. Please don't let that keep you from communicating with us, but understand that if you ask a question
that crosses a boundary of confidentiality, we may not be able to answer it. If you have a need to communicate
your thoughts to the committee, please direct them to me at ann@ppmcc.org. I will then bring them to the team.
Our next meeting will be August 11, and during that time we will be developing a pastoral contract and
compensation package, an application form and cover letter for our packet of information, as well as a protocol
and questions for initial interviews with applicants.
Thank you for entrusting us with this task. We are confident that God is at work in this. God has our best
interests at heart . . . a plan to prosper us, and not to harm us. Of that we can be confident. Please pray for us
as we continue to move ahead on this trek.
Ann Yenne for the Pastoral Search Team
Frank, Jonelle, Karen, Keir, Marshall, Matthew, Nora, Robin, and Sharon
|
Ann Yenne
Creating a Life that Matters [CLM] is a three-course curriculum which explores ways to rediscover relationship with
the Sacred, with my Self, and with my Passion. These three courses correspond to the spiritual experiences of
being changed, gifted and called. CLM integrates art, scripture, music, film, journaling, and diverse spiritual
resources to augment our exploration of the Christian path.
This 18 week program is all about relationships: intentional, authentic relationships - with the Sacred, our Selves,
and our Passion. CLM transforms lives and inspires people to more directed, clear, passionate involvement in
their lives and in the life of the planet, through the support of their local MCC.
The Sacred: While many would agree that relationship with the Sacred is the fundamental beginning of all faith
paths, this transforming experience is often lost when we exchange our spiritual vitality for empty religious
practices. In the six sessions of "Rediscovering Relationship with the Sacred," we explore what it means to be
transformed by an encounter with the Sacred, and rediscover loving God with heart, soul and mind.
My Self: As modern, Western people, we expend time, effort and money seeking to understand who we are. In
"Rediscovering Relationship with My Self," we explore some of the influences that have shaped us and ways to
create a self we will want to live with, others will want to relate to, and God will be able to use in the service of all
that is Sacred.
My Passion: Our passions make us most aware of our personal power, energy and joy. Many internal and
external factors influence how successfully we manifest these passions in our lives. In the six sessions of
"Rediscovering Relationship with My Passion," we explore ways to manage those factors, and discover what gives
us power, energy and joy as we serve the Sacred through church.
Creating a Life that Matters is coming to PPMCC this fall! Certified trainers Denise Foerch, Jonelle Neighbor, and
Ann Yenne will be bringing this class to you starting in the fall. Details will be coming soon.
Creating a Life that Matters [CLM] is a three-course curriculum which explores ways to rediscover relationship with
the Sacred, with my Self, and with my Passion. These three courses correspond to the spiritual experiences of
being changed, gifted and called. CLM integrates art, scripture, music, film, journaling, and diverse spiritual
resources to augment our exploration of the Christian path.
This 18 week program is all about relationships: intentional, authentic relationships - with the Sacred, our Selves,
and our Passion. CLM transforms lives and inspires people to more directed, clear, passionate involvement in
their lives and in the life of the planet, through the support of their local MCC.
The Sacred: While many would agree that relationship with the Sacred is the fundamental beginning of all faith
paths, this transforming experience is often lost when we exchange our spiritual vitality for empty religious
practices. In the six sessions of "Rediscovering Relationship with the Sacred," we explore what it means to be
transformed by an encounter with the Sacred, and rediscover loving God with heart, soul and mind.
My Self: As modern, Western people, we expend time, effort and money seeking to understand who we are. In
"Rediscovering Relationship with My Self," we explore some of the influences that have shaped us and ways to
create a self we will want to live with, others will want to relate to, and God will be able to use in the service of all
that is Sacred.
My Passion: Our passions make us most aware of our personal power, energy and joy. Many internal and
external factors influence how successfully we manifest these passions in our lives. In the six sessions of
"Rediscovering Relationship with My Passion," we explore ways to manage those factors, and discover what gives
us power, energy and joy as we serve the Sacred through church.
Creating a Life that Matters is coming to PPMCC this fall! Certified trainers Denise Foerch, Jonelle Neighbor, and
Ann Yenne will be bringing this class to you starting in the fall. Details will be coming soon.
|
Reprinted from Ex-Gay Watch
July 30th post
July 30th post
|
Advocate.com
July 26, 2007
Following up on a March 2006 court ruling, Massachusetts officials announced last week that New Mexico same-
sex couples who want to marry in Massachusetts may legally do so.
Following up on a March 2006 court ruling, Massachusetts officials announced last week that New Mexico same-
sex couples who want to marry in Massachusetts may legally do so.
New Mexico is one of very few states that do not explicitly limit marriage to opposite-sex. (The others are Rhode
Island, New York before July 6, 2006, and of course, Massachusetts itself).
Massachusetts began marrying same-sex couples in 2004, triggering hope among couples elsewhere—and a
nationwide tsunami of prohibitory legislation. Then-governor Mitt Romney forbade city and town clerks to let out-of-
staters wed, a prohibition some clerks defied.
In March 2006 the state's highest court ruled that same-sex couples who live in any other state would not be
allowed to marry in Massachusetts if their own state prohibited same-sex marriage, unless they indicated an intent
to live in Massachusetts after marrying.
Subsequent rulings upheld marriage rights for gay Rhode Islanders and for gay New Yorkers who'd wed before a
New York appeals court's July 6, 2006, crackdown.
On July 18, in a further clarification, the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics issued notice to
the state's city and town clerks that same-sex couples from New Mexico may apply for marriage licenses.
Equality New Mexico applauded the move.
"We congratulate Massachusetts for again leading the way, and while we appreciate Massachusetts's inclusion of
New Mexican families as couples to whom Massachusetts is extending full equality, the reality is that couples from
New Mexico have already been traveling to Canada and other countries to marry for some time," Equality officials
said in a written statement.
The group cautioned couples, however, that taking a wedding trip East would not be "just a political gesture" but
an entrée into responsibilities and, in many cases, discrimination.
"Some but not all [New Mexico] businesses, the state, and others may refuse to honor these lawful marriages,
along with the federal government. Couples must be prepared to live with a level of uncertainty while we continue
our work to end marriage discrimination," Equality officials said.
New Mexico confers some partner rights, but a bill that would create domestic-partner status, though backed by
Gov. Bill Richardson, died this spring in a special session of the state legislature. (Barbara Wilcox, The Advocate)
July 26, 2007
Following up on a March 2006 court ruling, Massachusetts officials announced last week that New Mexico same-
sex couples who want to marry in Massachusetts may legally do so.
Following up on a March 2006 court ruling, Massachusetts officials announced last week that New Mexico same-
sex couples who want to marry in Massachusetts may legally do so.
New Mexico is one of very few states that do not explicitly limit marriage to opposite-sex. (The others are Rhode
Island, New York before July 6, 2006, and of course, Massachusetts itself).
Massachusetts began marrying same-sex couples in 2004, triggering hope among couples elsewhere—and a
nationwide tsunami of prohibitory legislation. Then-governor Mitt Romney forbade city and town clerks to let out-of-
staters wed, a prohibition some clerks defied.
In March 2006 the state's highest court ruled that same-sex couples who live in any other state would not be
allowed to marry in Massachusetts if their own state prohibited same-sex marriage, unless they indicated an intent
to live in Massachusetts after marrying.
Subsequent rulings upheld marriage rights for gay Rhode Islanders and for gay New Yorkers who'd wed before a
New York appeals court's July 6, 2006, crackdown.
On July 18, in a further clarification, the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics issued notice to
the state's city and town clerks that same-sex couples from New Mexico may apply for marriage licenses.
Equality New Mexico applauded the move.
"We congratulate Massachusetts for again leading the way, and while we appreciate Massachusetts's inclusion of
New Mexican families as couples to whom Massachusetts is extending full equality, the reality is that couples from
New Mexico have already been traveling to Canada and other countries to marry for some time," Equality officials
said in a written statement.
The group cautioned couples, however, that taking a wedding trip East would not be "just a political gesture" but
an entrée into responsibilities and, in many cases, discrimination.
"Some but not all [New Mexico] businesses, the state, and others may refuse to honor these lawful marriages,
along with the federal government. Couples must be prepared to live with a level of uncertainty while we continue
our work to end marriage discrimination," Equality officials said.
New Mexico confers some partner rights, but a bill that would create domestic-partner status, though backed by
Gov. Bill Richardson, died this spring in a special session of the state legislature. (Barbara Wilcox, The Advocate)
|