Maryland pastors rally support for same-sex marriage

Black clergy from across the country are planning to announce their support for same-sex marriage in Maryland this week.

The pastors and other clergy, led by the Rev. Delman Coates of Mt. Ennon Baptist Church in Clinton, are hoping that their public display of support will help erase the perception that all black pastors are against gay marriage. “The impression that all African-American pastors are fundamentally opposed to the idea of marriage equality is wrong,” Coates said. They are also hoping to clarify that the legislation does not affect churches and clergy who choose not affirm same-sex marriages or perform related ceremonies.