The Episcopal Bishops of Michigan have released a statement applauding a 21 March 2014 court ruling striking down the state’s ban on gay marriage.

As Christians and leaders in the Episcopal Church, we applaud Judge Friedman’s decision to overturn Michigan’s ban on equal marriage as a step on the right side of history.

As the case of DeBoer v. Snyder continues to work its way through our judicial system, it is our hope that future judges will continue to find that the denial of marriage to same-sex couples is a denial of human dignity and a denial of rights under the law. We look forward in hopeful anticipation to the day when we can recognize all faithful and covenantal relationships between any two people regardless of sex, both within the Church and within our society.

Signed,

The Rt. Rev. Wendell N. Gibbs, Jr.

Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Michigan

The Rt. Rev. Whayne M. Houglund, Jr.

Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan

The Rt. Rev. Todd Ousely

Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan

The Rt. Rev. Rayford Ray

Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan