Milwaukee church holds vigil in support of same-sex marriage

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- In the same-sex marriage debate, where the church has a powerful voice, the message inside one Milwaukee church is clear.

"At the very heart of this, it`s about justice. It`s about human rights," Bridget Flad said.

Supporters of same-sex marriage lit candles Tuesday, March 26th in the shape of intersecting wedding bands and tied ribbons onto a tree to symbolize tying the knot.

This, as the country's Supreme Court heard arguments on the issue Tuesday.

"I think change is in the works. It`s gonna happen at some point. Hopefully in our lifetime," Wendy Pologe said.

Pologe and Mary Thorson have been together for 32 years and hope to one day have a legal marriage.

"I fail to see how our strong relationship and a strong family for us is in anyway detrimental for anyone else," Thorson said.

The Plymouth Church prides itself on being LGBT friendly and has performed symbolic same-sex marriage ceremonies.

The church's supporters are hoping for a landmark Supreme Court decision, but regardless of what the court decides, Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki says it won't affect Catholic teachings.

"The fact is that marriage is between one man and one woman.  That`s what traditionally marriage has been and that`s what it will continue to be despite the fact that individuals try to redefine it," Archbishop Listecki said.

While handing out Easter hams to needy families, Archbishop Listecki says few Catholics have raised concerns to him about the church's stance.

"I believe that's because people that this is what marriage is -- marriage is one man and one woman.  They live it out," Archbishop Listecki said.

The pastor at Plymouth Church takes a different stance.

"We believe that God welcomes all that God encourages all people into loving and committed relationships," Flad said.

Organizers of Tuesday evening's vigil say this was one of more than 150 events organized in all 50 states.