Last week, my children and I spread out our project: a giant mural -- one representing the state of Illinois. For weeks, we have focused a portion of our learning time to understanding the roots and history of Illinois, along with the requisite state flower, tree, animal, and various sports teams. The three of us sat side by side, exchanging colored pencils as we worked to complete what felt like an endless task: six feet of paper waiting to be filled in with color and given life.
On November 20th 2013, pen and paper were used to give new life and color to the state of Illinois. At 3:30pm, Illinois State Governor Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 10 -- the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act. With the swipe of his pen, Governor Quinn put into law the marriage equality many congregants of the DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church and our allies have been fighting for. In our 2005 Statement of Conscience (our public position statement), we proclaimed that civil marriage between any two consenting adults is a civil right. Since that time (and even before), we have worked as individuals, as a church, and as a community to strive for justice and equality for our LGBTQ family.
You can read about some of our journey here: and here.
We are the 16th state to recognize marriage equality. A celebration is in order -- but there is more work to be done. The mural of our country still needs us, side by side working together to make the picture complete.
To join us as we move forward, please feel free to visit our congregation any Sunday at
Today my children and I will work to finish our Illinois state mural. We will add one new image to our mural and celebrate a new chapter in Illinois history.
Peace, love, and happy coloring!
Shelly -- congregant at DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church
