I just returned from a press conference attended by about 25 local clergy opposing the proposed marriage amendment to the Michigan constitution. A statement was signed by 83 clergy opposed to the amendment which would prohibit gay marriages and eliminate existing domestic partnership benefits currently granted by many municipalities and state universities. It is good to see clergy from about 10 denominations and Jewish rabbis united on this important issue. When the rights of any group are discriminated against, it is a threat to us all. There was good attendance by the press, and I hope this will help to counter the anti-gay bias that a certain segment of the church and society is promoting. Many religious persons accept gays without prejudice. This needs to be more widely accepted rather than the narrow views of a few.