First Same-Sex Marriage Held Inside D.C. Church
Another milestone for same-sex marriage in the District
NBCWashington.com
Willard Knicely married Robert Whitman before more than a hundred family members and friends.
History happened at the Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, D.C., on Sunday. Willard Knicely married Robert Whitman in front of more than 100 family members and friends.
When the District legalized same-sex marriage March 3, people lined up for licenses and a few days later ceremonies were performed at a government building. So, same-sex marriages themselves may no longer be breaking news, but where this one happened is noteworthy.
The Rev. Dwayne Johnson, who helped preside over the ceremony, said Metropolitan Community Church has actually been performing same-sex ceremonies since 1971.
"We have believed all along that God has recognized our relationships, but the meaning of this day is what God has recognized all along," Johnson said. "And what we've recognized all along is now recognized by the District of Columbia."
While the wedding was non-traditional, the ceremony itself was pretty standard -- flowers, candles, music and prayers.
Once or twice the two minsters overseeing the nuptials paused to reflect, not on the couple standing before them at the alter or their future lives together, but on society.
Applause erupted when Johnson said the following: "Even as we celebrate your love, we also celebrate that this nation, indeed our world, has come one step closer to knowing justice."
Applause erupted again as the two ministers delcared, "We now proclaim you to be legally married."
Posted Monday, Mar 15, 2010 - 7:02 AM EST
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