The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee, bishop of Chicago, released this statement on the occasion of the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of marriage equality:

“Like many of my fellow Episcopalians, I rejoice in the U. S. Supreme Court’s ruling that has made marriage equality the law of our land, as it has been for the last year in Illinois.

“I support civil marriage equality simply because I believe in equal protection under the law. I support sacramental marriage equality because I believe that the union of two persons in heart, body and mind is a school of holiness, a way of ordering our lives so that we might learn to be more faithful servants of Christ.  Such unions can be sources and signs of grace, both for the couple and for the wider community, and we need all of the grace we can get.

“Please join me today in praying both for those who are celebrating, as I am, and for those who are troubled by the court’s ruling. May we remain one in God’s name.”