The O-town Scene

A second wedding, in the new New York On Aug. 5, 2005, two of my dear friends got married. I, unfortunately, was un- able to attend, and I've always regretted missing it. Six years later, that regret has become a joy. They asked me to officiate GUEST COLUMN their second wedding. They wanted to be my first legal same-sex wedding. Thanks to the New York legislature's stand for justice and equality and the passage of the Marriage Equality Act, I was allowed to re-sanctify their marriage and legally recognize and celebrate their family. Kristi and Megan, and their 3-year-old son, Parker, dressed in their best clothes, flowers in hand, and came to my church, the Unitarian Universalist Society of Oneonta. Inside, members of the congregation had done their part to bless the event. Elayne had decorated the sanctuary with decorations from her wedding — rainbow peace cranes, paper lanterns and rainbow prayer flags embla- zoned with the words "Courage, Joy, Spirit, Celebrate, Com- munity, Equality and Diversity." Michael and Dorothy, a young couple celebrating their fifth anniversary the next day, sang of The marriage we sanctified and recognized here in our sanctuary will not be accepted when they return home. the power of unconditional love. My wife acted as a witness, signing the newly possible license. We all did our part to represent our community and the wider state of New York, witnessing and blessing this holy and legal union. As part of the service, I said, "No blessing I give today, no pronouncement I make now, can improve upon the holiness of what you already have, the family you have created. ... Our gift to you today is not just a slip of paper, a legal recognition, but rather, a gift of hope and a promise to you to follow your example of love and commitment and one day live up to it as a society." I pronounced them married, again. And then stood back as their son hugged them both, as we all cheered for them with tears in our eyes. Kristi, Megan and Parker left a few days later, returning to their home in Texas. The family they have created in abiding love with deep commitment and the marriage we sanctified and recognized here in our sanctuary will not be accepted when they return home. And for that, I cry for them again, and remember the hope and promise we have made to them and to all who would have their love and commitment recognized, ac- cepted and blessed by their society. So may it be. So, one day, may it be. The Rev. Craig Schwalenberg is the minister of the United Universalist Society of Oneonta. Aug. 18, 2011 O-Town Scene 21 AUGUST 2011 THE ST R THEATER AT THE FOUNDRY 44 MAIN STREET CHERRY VALLEY Sunday, August 21 Big Galut(e) 7:30 PM a unique klezmer band featuring Robin Seletsky, Sasha Margolis and friends from The Glimmerglass Festival Orchestra AFFORDABLE CONCERTS BY WORLD CLASS MUSICIANS TICKETS $7.00, ARTWORK MEMBERS $6.00 www.cvartworks.org the Diversity Scene Aug. 18-24

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