RI State Council of Churches endorses marriage equality

The Rhode Island State Council of Churches is calling on the General Assembly to approve a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage. The council, representing more than 300 churches, views the issue as one of social justice, civil rights and conscience, according to a statement issued Thursday. "We believe this is an issue of tolerance and religious liberty," said the Rev. Don Anderson, the council's executive minister. "While there is broad diversity within communities of faith on this issue, many traditions choose to welcome same-sex relationships to the covenant of marriage."