The battle over same-sex marriages was waged in congregations throughout the region Sunday as faith leaders on both sides of the issue made one final appeal to their members.
With only two days before the election, ministers urged members to do the right thing when they vote on Proposition 8, the ballot measure which would amend the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage.
Church leaders' activities included handing out fliers, inserting voting guides into church bulletins, setting up information booths, holding prayer meetings and preaching from the pulpit on Proposition 8.
At St. Peter's Catholic Church in Sacramento, congregants nodded in agreement when the Rev. Rodolfo Llamas urged them to vote for Proposition 8.
"This vote is insulting God," said Llamas to the 200 parishioners at the 8:30 a.m. Mass.
"When civil power steps on religious power, then there is a problem," said Llamas. "What they want to create now is not matrimony, not at all."
Across town at Sierra Arden United Church of Christ, the Rev. Ginny Curinga told members at the 10 a.m. service that the measure is a civil rights issue.
"It has angered me so much to hear the propaganda about Proposition 8," said Curinga. "We need to stand up and vote against this kind of hatred." Afterward, many members thanked her for her message.
Two religious leaders, two very different views. Faith groups have been at the forefront of the ballot measure which is one of the most closely watched races in the country, with spending by backers and opponents estimated to exceed $70 million.
If passed, it would reverse a California Supreme Court ruling in May that legalized same-sex marriage.
Interfaith groups from both sides held rallies over the weekend in Sacramento.
Religious groups that support the ballot measure include the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Catholics, evangelicals and Orthodox Jews. In June, Mormon church leaders asked members to donate their time and money. Mormons are among the primary backers of the initiative.
California Episcopal bishops issued a statement opposing the measure. Several Presbyterian and United Methodist Church clergy have also spoken out against Proposition 8. Reform Judaism and United Church of Christ and the Unitarian Universalist Church also oppose the initiative.
Polls show voters are evenly divided on the ballot measure.
Not all members agree with church leaders.
This weekend, news organizations reported that former 49er quarterback Steve Young – a descendant of Brigham Young and one of the country's most prominent Mormons – and his wife, Barbara, posted "No on 8" signs on the front lawn of their Palo Alto home.
Barbara Young has also donated $50,000 to defeat the measure and said in a statement that "our family will vote against Prop. 8."
Church officials said they know there are some members who don't agree with the church's stand on Proposition 8, "but the overwhelming majority do," said Lisa West spokeswoman for the church in the Sacramento region.
As the election draws near, several religious leaders who oppose Proposition 8 presided over same-sex wedding ceremonies.
"As a member of the Jewish community, I know too well what happens when people start to discriminate against a certain group," said Rabbi Mona Alfi of Congregation B'nai Israel, who officiated at two gay weddings Sunday.
Alfi has married six couples since June.
For months, Proposition 8 has been talked about at worship services. Church leaders cannot endorse or oppose a candidate, but they can discuss ballot propositions without violating federal tax laws.
Many longtime members say such an all-out campaign by churches on a ballot initiative is unprecedented.
"I can't remember anything like this," said 74-year-old Jose Sanchez, after Mass at St. Peter's Church Sunday morning. "I agree with the church, but we've been hearing about this for a long time. I'll be glad when this election is over."
Call the Bee's Jennifer Garza, (916) 321-1133.
