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Priest applauds marriage equality ruling

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The Supreme Court’s recent ruling allowing same-sex marriage in all 50 states is a monumental victory for civil rights, says the Rev. Christopher Hofer, rector of the Church of St. Jude in Wantagh.

Hofer and his partner, Kerry Brady, were married shortly after gay marriage became legal in New York four years ago, and he is thrilled to see the right extended to couples across the United States. “As an American, I could not be happier for our country,” Hofer said. “The Supreme Court did the right thing in my opinion.”

The 44-year-old minister arrived at St. Jude, an Episcopal church on Lufberry Avenue, on July 15, 2004. At that point, he and Brady had already been together 10 years. Hofer said they were welcomed into the community.

New York state legalized same-sex marriage in 2011, near the close of the legislative session in June. On Aug. 12, exactly 16 years after Hofer and Brady had a commitment ceremony, they were married at St. Jude in a service performed by the Rev. Debra Bennett of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Roosevelt.

“The church was literally standing room only,” Hofer said, recalling the day he and his partner exchanged vows. “Since that time, St. Jude had really been on the forefront” of same-sex marriage.

Hofer said that the act of marriage is a civil right, whereas the sacrament of marriage is blessed by the church. Some churches choose to bless same-sex marriages, and others don’t, and Hofer said he respects whichever choice is made.

For example, he said, the Episcopal bishop for Long Island supports marriage equality, but said there are some individual priests who do not wish to marry same-sex couples. Because of the separation of church and state, clergy retain the right to choose to officiate or not officiate a wedding.

He said philosophies on marriage differ because people interpret scripture in different ways. Hofer said he sees the role of the church as bringing God’s love to everyone. He also explained that the decision of a church and its leaders should be based on a combination of scripture, tradition and human reason, citing that mainstream churches once condoned slavery but now condemn it.

Hofer and about 30 members of the church marched in the Long Island Pride Parade last month in Huntington. He said the contingent included both gay and straight members of the congregation, and individuals, couples and families. “It was the depth and breadth of our community,” he said.

The purpose for marching, Hofer said, was to show people that there is a Christian church that is accepting of same-sex marriage. Hofer said since it was legalized in New York, he has presided over a handful of ceremonies for gay couples. After all, he said, the church is in the marriage business.

Hofer said that society is becoming increasingly more accepting of gay marriage, and said the LGBT community has made significant progress in terms of civil rights in the last 20 years, probably more than any other group.

The Supreme Court’s decision is a big step forward, he said, but is hardly an end point. He said more legal protections are needed, noting that in more than half of U.S. states a person can be fired for their sexual orientation or gender identity. Gay people still face bullying, even in the more progressive states, he added.

“We have a long way to go,” he said. “A victory’s been won, but the struggle’s ongoing.”