'The United Church of Christ is sending a powerful and historic message that all families should be loved and cherished,' said HRC President Joe Solmonese.

WASHINGTON - The General Synod of the 1.3 million member United Church of Christ today approved a historic resolution endorsing marriage equality for same-sex couples at its biennial meeting in Atlanta.

Approval of the resolution makes the United Church of Christ the largest Christian denomination to endorse marriage for same-sex couples. The Human Rights Campaign's new director of religion and faith programs, Harry Knox, a United Church of Christ member, was in Atlanta for the vote.

Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese made the following statement today:
"The United Church of Christ is sending a powerful and historic message that all families should be loved and cherished. The United Church of Christ took an important step forward today. Its call for full equality in all spheres of American life will be remembered and honored by future generations. The marriage resolution is a beacon to millions of people of faith worldwide that families are strengthened with love but weakened by discrimination. While marriage equality under the law should never impress houses of worship into recognizing unions between same-sex couples, we hope more and more people of faith demonstrate important values of understanding and fair-mindedness."

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that GLBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.