They preach the same scripture, but churches have very different platforms on same-sex marriage



BROOKFIELD/MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- They preach the same scripture, but there are churches across southeastern Wisconsin whose platforms could not be more different when it comes to same-sex marriage.

"I think that everyone deserves to be allowed to love the person they love and have that relationship recognized," Rev. Lori Hlaban with Unitarian Universalist Church said.

It's the stance Unitarian Universalist Church West has taken since 2004.

The Brookfield church hosted same-sex wedding ceremonies long before this past weekend -- when several county clerks began issuing marriage licenses to gay couples.

"One of the couples I married legally at the Milwaukee County Courthouse on Saturday was a couple I married here, in this very room, five years ago," Rev. Suzelle Lynch with Unitarian Universalist Church said.

Kevin Kohlmeier is a reverend at the All Faith Solid Foundation Institute in Milwaukee.

Basing his beliefs on the very same gospel -- Kohlmeier describes same-sex marriage as an "abomination."

"If you call yourself a priest, a pastor, a church leader, a teacher and you go along with this, you`re just as guilty and will be held just as accountable as those that are committing it," Kohlmeier said.

The Brookfield ministers say they've heard similar words before -- and it doesn't bother tham.

"Just as human beings are diverse, the way they will encounter scripture, or God, or the holy will be diverse,"

In Milwaukee, Kohlmeier insists his words are not hateful.

"We love everybody -- but a sin is a sin. You gotta call it for what it is," Kohlmeier said.

The ministers with Unitarian Universalist Church performed marriage ceremonies this past weekend at the Milwaukee County Courthouse and the Waukesha County Courthouse.

They plan on performing more marriages in their sanctuary -- something they've been doing since 2004.