Marriage Equality in Maryland

I know my support for marriage equality have sent many straight couples fleeing from my webpage while questioning my religious integrity. However, my actions are divinely inspired by my love for God and my commitment to serve humankind. I believe in equality for all, because there should never be a privilege class. These feelings are drawn from my own personal experiences as an African American.

When two people are committed to each other and want to raise a family together; no power on earth can ever prevent that from happening. Same sex couples want the same rights that many of us take for granted everyday.

gettoknowusfirst.org

We don't have to worry about not being able to make a critical life or death decision for our spouse.

We don't have to worry about being denied access to him/her during urgent care.

We don't have to worry about getting on our spouse’s health insurance plan; if one should lose his/her job.

We don't have to worry about paying an inheritance tax if our spouse should die.
We don't have to worry about getting survival benefits if one spouse leaves this world before the other.

I believe that God did not call me into service to discriminate against others. God surrounded me with those who needed my support. And it was not meant for me to abandon them because of my own fear of reprisal. On December 25, 2008, I had a dream that showed me the division of churches regarding this issue. In that dream, I saw myself united with other religious leaders in support of marriage equality.

So help me to change the way same gender families are seen. Try seeing them no differently than your own. And keep in mind that it's about equal rights and protection in a Free State.

Would you deny equal rights to someone?  I ask this question of everyone; those who know and those who don't know the pain of discrimination or the feeling of being ostersized. 

Want to help bring change to a Free State, please take action.  Follow this link:  http://actions.friendfactor.org/o/8563/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=184


posted by,
Reverend Starlene Joyner Burns
Court Authorized Officiant, Ordained Minister
Marriage Equality Supporter & DC Marriage License Agent
202.253.3629
revsjb@comcast.net
www.startum.com/weddings.htm

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook
http://tinyurl.com/2erhsp8
http://twitter.com/#!/revsjb

All vendors featured in Washington DC Weddings with Rev. SJ Burns supports marriage equality.
© 2011 SJB Ministries LLC

A New Year & A New Beginning

Elizabeth on L was the hot spot for Chip and Frankie's big day. January 9, 2011 was full of love, joy, happiness, and fun for this happy couple.

I was blessed to have the opportunity to be Chip and Frankie's minister. It was easy to see by all the love and support of their family and friends how they became the people they are today.

 

Their note really touched me.
"Starlene, thank you again for being an integral part of our special day. Everyone had such glowing things to say about the ceremony. We truly appreciate it. You have definitely found your calling. Take care! Chip & Frankie" 

©2011 Frankie & Chip Photographs

Erin Steigerwalt Photography
http://www.erinsteigerwalt.com/
419.606.8118

Elizabeth's on L
Washington, DC
202.347.8040
http://www.thecateringco.com/


posted by,
Reverend Starlene Joyner Burns
Court Authorized Officiant, Ordained Minister
Marriage Equality Supporter & DC Marriage License Agent
202.253.3629
revsjb@comcast.net
www.startum.com/weddings.htm

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook
http://tinyurl.com/2erhsp8
http://twitter.com/#!/revsjb


All vendors featured in Washington DC Weddings with Rev. SJ Burns are gay friendly.
© 2011 SJB Ministries LLC

Jennifer McMenamin Photography

May 30, 2010 was a perfect sunny morning in Georgetown and a precursor for a beautiful wedding. Bruce and Chris were tying the knot in a small garden celebration surrounded by their closest family and friends. And this is where I met Baltimore photog Jennifer McMenamin. She was hired by the couple to capture every smile, every tear, and every expression of joy that permeated the air on their special day.

Gay marriages had just begun blooming in DC. And Jennifer was there with an open heart and an open mind.   She truly personified her commitment to the arts by bringing her creative flair to this couple’s marriage in a collection of beautiful images that they will admire forever.  So I am showcasing her work from this wedding and more, as a way of saying; I like her style. 

And here's what Bruce and Chris has to say about Ms. Jennifer.

"Jennifer was great. She was very relaxed and easy to work with. Most people didn't notice she was there. The pictures were great. We were very happy we hired her. The post processing on the pictures was good.

Her approach was to follow us throughout the day and I thought that worked very well. We were much more comfortable with her. We dont show people the pictures of us getting ready in the hotel but they are my favorite. It helps us remember the entire experience rather than just the ceremony. "
 

To see more of Jennifer's work, visit her website.

Jennifer McMenamin Photography
http://www.jennifermcmenamin.com/
Serving MD, DC, VA, and surrounding areas
410.746.3843



posted by,
Reverend Starlene Joyner Burns
Court Authorized Officiant, Ordained Minister
Marriage Equality Supporter & DC Marriage License Agent
202.253.3629
The DC Marriage Knot

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook
http://tinyurl.com/2erhsp8
http://twitter.com/#!/revsjb

All vendors featured in Washington DC Weddings with Rev. SJ Burns are gay friendly.

© 2011 SJB Ministries LLC