Loving Our Neighbors

I am Rev. Briget Nicholson the Pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ.  I am called to this moment by my brothers and sisters who have brought vengeful judgment onto their neighbors in the name of God and our united faith.  I can not and will not tolerate or unite with those legislating hate in the name of God.  In order to hold my position as pastor, I vowed to follow the Ordained Minister’s Code of Ethics which includes preaching and teaching the gospel without fear or favor as well as speaking the truth in love.  I also vowed to stand with those who risk personal well being because of actions taken in response to Christian convictions.  I believe that the Protect Marriage Arizona Amendment is in violation of both of these ethical principals and basic tenets of my faith.  I share with you Leviticus 19:15-18:

You shall not render an unjust judgment you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great: with justice you shall judge your neighbor. You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not profit by the blood of your neighbor. You shall not hate in your heart anyone of your kin; you shall reprove your neighbor, or you will incur guilt yourself. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself.

• When this proposed amendment endangers protection and services for unmarried victims of domestic violence and abuse we are not loving our neighbors.
• When this proposed amendment endangers the power of attorney and hospital visitation rights of unmarried couples which will affect their ability to choose who can make life decisions on their behalf we are not loving our neighbors.
• When this proposed amendment endangers health care benefits, including the health benefits of children in single parent households we are not loving our neighbors.
• When this proposed amendment endangers unmarried couples from being able to take family leave we are not loving our neighbors.
• When this proposed amendment endangers the ability of unmarried people to own property together we are not loving our neighbors.

As a Pastor in the United Church of Christ, I stand here witnessing to those at personal risk because of the Christian convictions of others.   I stand here today in witness to the gospel of love.  I stand here today stating neither my faith nor my office advocates legislating hate.

Return to Clergy  Press  Conference  page          Site Index