Minute on Love without Fear

The Montana Gathering of Friends wholeheartedly believes that there is that of God in everyone. 
 
On February 4, University of Montana professor Carla Greyson and her life partner Adrienne Neff sued the Montana State University system because they were not given the same access to health benefits that their heterosexual colleagues receive.  Four days later, while the women and their young son were sleeping, their house was set on fire with apparent intention of murder. 
 
This violence compels us to re-affirm our belief that every member of our human family has the inalienable right to commit their love to whomever they choose without fear.  We strongly urge the Board of Regents to act quickly to extend equal health benefits to all their employees.
 
Quakers in Montana joyfully perform marriages for all committed couples in our care, regardless of sexual orientation.  We proudly support every family in our congregations in all their brilliant diversity.  Religious communities are visible beacons of inspiration and guidance.  We encourage all Montana faith communities to join us in being visible welcoming to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people.  Hate-filled, derogatory messages propagate a climate of violence in our homes, neighborhoods and towns.  We encourage all people of faith to lend their voices to messages in the peaceful spirit of Christ who asked us to love our neighbors as ourselves. 
 
For 350 years, Friends have actively worked for equal rights.  We continue to pray that the spirit of peace lead us to face the roots of hatred within our live, congregations and communities.