Free weddings: Church to host same-sex couples this and next Saturday



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee has announced it will offer free wedding ceremonies to same-sex couples on Saturday, June 14th and Saturday, June 21st.

Same-sex couples can get married in the First Unitarian Society's sanctuary on these Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

"We'll be ready for you. We'll welcome you. It takes on extra meaning to have that ceremony in a church," Rev. Dena McPhetres said.

Ceremonies will be brief -- about 10 to 15 minutes, and marriage licenses will be signed.

Rev. McPhetres says the ceremonies will end with the utterance of a phrase that hasn't ever been said in a Wisconsin church: "By the state of Wisconsin, I now pronounce you legally married."

Though, her colleague, Rev. Andrew Kennedy is well aware a judge's decision could put same-sex marriage and its ceremonies on hold as soon as Friday.

"We'd probably have to consult an attorney or two," Rev. Kennedy said.

Couples do not need to be a part of the congregation to take part.

Couples are invited to come to the glass door at 1342 N. Astor Street and sign in.

The wedding ceremonies will be offered first come, first served.

Couples can bring their own vows and witnesses, or they will be provided.

Couples and their party will be invited to relax in the church's Common Room before and after the ceremony.

The First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee is officially recognized as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Welcoming Congregation by the Unitarian Universalist Association.

The Welcoming Congregation Program  is a volunteer program for Unitarian Universalist congregations that want to take intentional steps to become more welcoming and inclusive of people with marginalized sexual orientations and gender identities http://www.uua.org/lgbtq/welcoming/program/.

Rev. McPhetres and Rev. Kennedy say they're hopeful the ceremonies will go on as planned.

"It's the joy, it's the confidence that justice will prevail," Rev. McPhetres said.

Meanwhile, Rev. Kevin Kohlmeier with All Faith Solid Foundation Institute says he loves all God-fearing people, but says same-sex marriage is a sin, and he cannot condone the sin First Unitarian is offering.

"What kind of joy can you possibly receive from marrying someone of the same sex? This is a sham," Rev. Kohlmeier said.

"The Christian Church has had a sad history of not accepting diversity," Rev. McPhetres said.

Rev. McPhetres and Rev. Kennedy say the back-and-forth legal battles over marriage when some are so close to taking part in a ceremony is something new.

"There is some sadness or elements of frustration," Rev. Kennedy said.