Minute of Happiness

Historically, Friends have affirmed that marriage is not primarily a social or legal event, but a spiritual one. George Fox wrote “For the right joining in marriage is the work of the Lord only, and not the priests or magistrates; so it is God's ordinance and not Man's.”

In 1987 Mt. Toby affirmed “the goodness of committed, loving relationships,” and desired to extend to same-gender couples among us the possibility of taking their relationships under the care of the meeting. We offered “recognition and support to those who share this ideal and desire to enter into a permanent relationship based upon it. The same loving care and consideration will be given to both same-sex and heterosexual applicants as outlined in Faith and Practice.” Since that time we have taken three same-gender marriages under our care.

All residents of Massachusetts can now be married under the law, and a number of same-gender couples within our meeting have taken this step.

We are happy for all those among us who have wished to be legally married or take other steps in their commitment as couples who may now do so.

We are glad there may be openings for changes in other crucial issues that deeply impact gay and lesbian people and their families. This affects all of our lives and our community.

We encourage members of our community to continue working to preserve this important right and extend it to other areas not yet covered.