Cross-posted from Jon Elliston’s report today in the Mountain XPress:

At a press conference this morning, an interfaith group of more than two dozen local religious leaders issued a “statement of appreciation” backing Asheville City Council’s recent vote in support of establishing same-sex domestic-partner benefits for city employees.

Standing on the steps outside First Congregational United Church of Christ, the church’s senior pastor, the Rev. Joe Hoffman, opened the conference. “This is an important step towards being a more just city for all of our people,” he said in reference to the Council vote. “And we want the City Council to know that we are grateful, and that we stand with them in this action.

“We are not here today to debate anyone’s religious views; rather, we see this as an issue of civil rights,” he continued. “Equal compensation for same-gender couples is a just measure [for] city workers and for Asheville. … We hope more people will become comfortable with this decision as they come to learn about it, and as they reflect on the fairness it promotes.”

Hoffman then read the group’s prepared statement:

“We, the leaders of a number of faith communities in Asheville, express our personal appreciation for the leadership and foresight of the Asheville City Council in proposing and moving toward a positive vote for domestic-partner benefits for city employees who are in same-gender relationships. As faith leaders, we are aware that the passage of this measure is significant to many members of our congregations, regardless of sexual orientation.

“We conclude that despite varying religious views about homosexuality, a civil society should work toward fairness and equitable compensation for everyone in the community, including public workers. Providing domestic-partner benefits for city employees who are in same-gender committed relationships contributes toward this goal and creates a stronger, family-supporting community, of which we are proud to be a part.”

Hoffman was followed by the Rev. Todd Donatelli from the Cathedral of All Souls, who started by noting how various city departments have aided his church and how committed city staff are to enhancing life in Asheville. “As citizens who benefit from the quality of life that these folks work to serve and protect, it is also our obligation to provide them with benefits as citizens and to serve and protect those benefits for all persons.”

Rabbi Rob Cabelli from Beth Israel Synagogue also spoke in support of the Council vote, as did the Ethical Society of Asheville’s Jackie Simms, the Rev. Byron Ballard, High Priestess Mother of Grove Goddess Temple, and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville’s Rev. Mark Ward (see below for a list of the statement’s signatories.)

The press conference came on the heels of another conference called Feb. 10, where several a few local ministers blasted Council for its vote. (click here to see Xpress’ report and video from that conference.)

Here’s the list of the statement of appreciation signatories, as of March 13:

1. The Rev. Jim Abbott, Rector, St. Matthias Episcopal Church
2. Rev. Byron Ballard, High Priestess Mother Grove Goddess Temple
3. Rev. Bill Buchanan, Associate Minister, Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church
4. Rabbi Rob Cabelli, Beth Israel Synagogue
5. The Rev. Brian Cole, Cathedral of All Souls Episcopal
6. The Very Rev. Todd Donatelli, Cathedral of All Souls Episcopal
7. Rev. David Eck, Pastor, Abiding Savior Lutheran Church
8. Rev. Dr. Paul Hamilton Fuller, IV, Episcopal, The Church of the Advocate
9. Rev. Howard Hanger, Minister of Ritual, JUBILEE! Community
10. Rev. Amanda Hendler-Voss, Co Pastor, Land of the Sky United Church of Christ
11. Rev. Joe Hoffman, Senior Minister, First Congregational United Church of Christ
12. Rev. Joyce Hollyday, Co-Pastor, Circle of Mercy
13. The Rev. Deacon Bill Jamieson, The Micah Institute
14. Katherine Kowal, Clerk, Asheville Friend’s Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends
15. Rabbi Batsheva Meiri, Congregation Beth Ha-Tephila
16. Rev. Gabrielle Michel, Minister, Unity Church, West Asheville
17. Rev. Anne Morgan, New Hope Presbyterian Church
18. The Rev. Brent Norris, Rector, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
19. Rev. Michael Poulos, Associate Pastor, First Presbyterian Church
20. Rev. Mark Ramsey, Senior Minister, Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church
21. The Rev. Canon Austin K. Rios, La Capilla de Santa Maria, Episcopal Church
22. Rev. Steve Runholt, Minister, Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church
23. Rev. Ken Sehested, Circle of Mercy
24. Jackie Simms, Ethical Society of Asheville
25. Rev. Shannon Spencer, Associate Minister, First Congregational United Church of Christ
26. Rev. Margaret LaMotte Torrence, Associate Pastor, First Presbyterian Church
27. Rev. Mark Ward, Minister, Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville
28. Rev. Sara Wilcox, Co-Pastor, Land of the Sky United Church of Christ