(New York City) Gay positive clergy around the world will stage protests today to show their support for same-sex marriage. Demonstrations are scheduled in New York, California, Michigan, and Florida, as well as Great Britain and New Zealand.

The protest was organized by Rev. Pat Bumgardner, of Metropolitan Community Church of New York City. Bumgardner says she was incensed over the criminal charges filed against two Unitarian ministers in New Paltz, NY for marrying 13 same-sex couples.

At several of the demonstrations, Bumgardner said, ministers will publicly solemnize gay weddings in defiance of state and national laws. Baptist, Episcopal, Presbyterian, MCC, and Jewish faith leaders will participate in the actions.

"Such laws criminalize clergy who exercise their freedom of religion to marry same-sex couples," said Bumgardner.

"We are calling Attorneys General, District Attorneys, and state lawmakers to accountability. If you believe it is wrong to marry without a civil marriage license, then arrest all of us, too. Otherwise, stop harassing clergy who conduct same-sex marriages for your own political gain."

Bumgardner will perform a wedding ceremony on the steps of the Bronx County Courthouse.

"Supportive clergy from many faiths will let the world know that fundamentalism is not the only spiritual voice speaking out about LGBT people, said Bumgardner."

Twenty US states restrict clergy from performing marriages without a civil license.

On Wednesday, the Executive Council of the United Church of Christ, meeting in Atlanta, issued a statement opposing a proposed amendment to the Constitution to ban same-sex marriage.

The council also called for the defeat of any federal or state "Defence of Marriage"-type legislation.  The church leaders said there needs to be continued "serious, respectful, responsible discussions about marriage, including diverse understandings of marriage."

In calling for the defeat of the Federal Marriage Amendment, the repeal of the Defence of Marriage Act of 1996, and the defeat or repeal of any similar State legislation, UCC leaders' statement affirmed, "equal rights for all couples who seek to have their relationships recognized by the State."

The statement said, "We hold that, as a child of God, every person is endowed with worth and dignity that human judgment cannot set aside. We believe that recognition of the sacred joining of individuals is deserving of serious, faithful discussion by people of faith."

The UCC has 1.3-million-members in the United States and Puerto Rico.

But, the issue of same-sex marriage and gays in the clergy is dividing other denominations.

The United Methodist Church is holding a special meeting on gays in the faith in Pittsburgh that some in the faith say could lead to a schism.

At issue is a decision to allow the Rev. Karen Dammann to remain a minister despite a church ban on gay clergy.

Delegates to the conference are being asked to reconsider the Church's "incompatibility clause" with more inclusive language.

Presbyterians are also grappling with the issue. A church court is hearing an appeal from Stephen Van Kuiken that he violated church laws by conducting same-sex weddings at his Cincinnati church.

A year ago, when he was found guilty, Van Kuiken, 45, was fired as a minister and removed from church.

Liberal Presbyterians are calling for reform on the faith's attitudes towards gays, while conservative are threatening to leave if the changes are made.

by Beth Shapiro, 365Gay.com News centre, New York Bureau,  ©365Gay.com® 2004