To the editor:

As the president and pastor of Eagle Harbor Congregational Church on Bainbridge Island, we wish to publicly declare our support for marriage equality in Washington state.

We represent a congregation whose members present and voting at a congregational meeting Sept. 16 unanimously supported marriage equality, urging voters to approve Referendum 74.

Taking congregational action on a ballot measure is unusual for our church. We took this uncommon action because we feel strongly that access to the privileges and obligations of marriage is a civil right that should be available to any committed couple, regardless of their sexual orientation.

We recognize and appreciate the progress that has been made toward equality with current domestic partnership law. However, we have learned from our nation’s history that “separate” — a separate law applying to same sex couples — is not equal.

We believe marriage strengthens families. Please join us in supporting loving, committed families in the sacred bond of marriage by voting to approve Referendum 74 in November.

STEPHEN WILSON AND DEE EISENHAUER

Eagle Harbor Congregational Church