Below is the statement, in its entirety, released by Cathedral of Hope UCC and its senior pastor, the Rev. Neil Thomas, denouncing a Texas Supreme Court decision allowing judges to refuse to conduct same-sex marriages based on religious freedom claims:
Cathedral of Hope, United Church of Christ, forcefully denounces [the] Supreme Court decision allowing judges to refuse to perform same-sex marriages. This ruling is nothing less than state-sanctioned discrimination and a betrayal of the fundamental promise of equality under the law.
“This decision gives prejudice a platform and power it does not deserve,” said the Rev. Dr. Neil G. Thomas, senior pastor of Cathedral of Hope. “To deny couples the right to marry because of who they love is an affront to both our Constitution and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us be clear: This is not about religious freedom; it is about institutionalizing bias.”
For more than five decades, Cathedral of Hope has stood as a spiritual home for those cast aside by the church and ignored by the law. The congregation has seen firsthand the pain caused when faith is twisted to exclude and condemn.
A deep moral concern
“This ruling sends a chilling message,” Thomas continued. “It tells LGBTQ+ couples that their love is conditional, that their dignity is negotiable and that their humanity depends on the comfort of others. That is morally indefensible.
The church views the court’s decision as part of a broader attempt to roll back the civil and human rights of marginalized communities. “Whenever governments give permission to discriminate, it doesn’t stop at one group,” said Thomas. “History teaches us that prejudice, once unleashed, never stays in its lane.”
Our unwavering commitment
Cathedral of Hope reaffirms its absolute commitment to marriage equality and to every couple who seeks to build their life together in love. The church will:
• Continue to perform and bless all marriages equally, without exception or apology.
• Advocate publicly for justice and equity for LGBTQ+ people everywhere.
• Stand against every form of religious or governmental discrimination, speaking truth to power with faith and conviction.
A call to courage
“We will not be silent,” Thomas declared. “We will not step back into the shadows of fear or pretend that discrimination in the name of God is acceptable. We call on every person of faith, every judge, every pastor, every neighbor to take a stand for love. Because love will always have the final word.”