A Dream Come True: Vikki Dearing & Deb Bunting Get Married in Vermont
Thursday, April 29 2010 @ 12:17 PM
On April 22 at 6:30 PM in Stowe, Vermont something wonderful happened that seemed like a dream come true for Vikki Dearing and Deb Bunting. They got married. For heterosexual couples this can be an ordinary, if not commonplace, even for some "taken for granted" experience. But, for those of us who fall in love with persons of the same gender, the hope or dream of getting married is a sacred opportunity not commonplace for us. Marriage is not yet available to millions of us in too many states and countries. We give thanks to God for the fair and justice-oriented citizens of Vermont who recognize that love is not limited by gender any more than it could be by race or other human differences.
Vikki Dearing serves as a Co-Moderator of More Light Presbyterians and has been working with MLP since the early 90's. Vikki and her longtime partner, now legal spouse, Deb Bunting, have been together for 28 years. They had a holy union 15 years ago on the same day, April 22, the date of their wedding. Vikki and Deb share a home in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The wedding invitation spoken on April 22 was this: "Dearly beloved: we are gathered together by the grace of God and in the presence of friends to unite Deb and Vikki in the bonds of love and marriage; to surround them with our prayers and good wishes, and pray God’s blessings on them. The marriage of two persons in heart, body and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy, for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity, that their love and marriage may be a blessing to all whom they encounter. Marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately and aligned with the divine purpose for which it was instituted. Into this marriage Vikki and Deb now come to be joined."
More Photographs of Vikki Dearing & Deb Bunting's Wedding in Vermont
Michael J. Adee, Executive Director and Field Organizer, More Light Presbyterians officiated the wedding along with the Rev. Janet Edwards, Co-Moderator, More Light Presbyterians. "Love filled the room on April 22 at the Green Mountain Inn in Stowe, Vermont. God's Love, the love between Vikki and Deb, the love we felt for this beautiful couple and the outpouring of love from family and friends around the country was perfectly clear within the sacred moments of their wedding service. This wedding and marriage was a confirmation of what is, what has been for such a long time and what will continue: a covenant of love between two persons sustained by the grace of God and their faith. I am grateful to have had the privilege to officiate at this most joyous celebration of love and faithfulness," said Michael Adee.
Rev. Janet Edwards reflected: "Among the lasting memories for me of this delightful celebration of marriage between Vikki and Deb will be the love in their eyes as they looked at each other while saying their vows. The depth and strength of their 28 year commitment to one another was so obvious and inspiring. Where ever I went all weekend, I told the people I met that I was there for Vikki and Deb's wedding and I thanked them for conferring on my friends all the civil rights and privileges of marriage, at least in Vermont. It was one of the great privileges of my life to participate in it."
The prayer for Vikki and Deb at the end of their wedding service was this: Eternal God: without your grace, no promise is sure. Strengthen Vikki and Deb with the gift of your Spirit that they may fulfill the promises they have made today. Keep them faithful to each other and to you. Fill them with confidence in their love, their mutual commitment, and trust that brought them together, and give them your peace all the days of their lives. Amen.
Please join us in holding Vikki and Deb and all loving couples in your thoughts and prayers for such love is a gift, grace and blessing for every family, church and community.
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On April 22 at 6:30 PM in Stowe, Vermont something wonderful happened that seemed like a dream come true for Vikki Dearing and Deb Bunting. They got married. For heterosexual couples this can be an ordinary, if not commonplace, even for some "taken for granted" experience. But, for those of us who fall in love with persons of the same gender, the hope or dream of getting married is a sacred opportunity not commonplace for us. Marriage is not yet available to millions of us in too many states and countries. We give thanks to God for the fair and justice-oriented citizens of Vermont who recognize that love is not limited by gender any more than it could be by race or other human differences.