Uruguay holds first same-sex marriage in Latin America

Uruguay holds first same-sex marriage in Latin America

Courtesy of - Agence France-Presse Uruguay became the first nation in Latin America to marry a Gay couple last Thursday, after a law allowing couples living together to formalize their union went into effect at the start of the year. Judge Estrella Perez officiated the civil union between Adrian Figuera, 38, and actor and theater director Juan Carlos Moretti, 67, in a courtroom before a small group of friends and family, as witnessed by an AFP reporter. Moretti later told AFP that after living together for 14 years, he and Figuera thought their marriage was "a matter of justice and a step forward for Uruguayan society." The so-called "cohabitation union law" went into effect on January 1, allowing heterosexual and homosexual couples living together for at least five years to receive the same legal rights and benefits that traditional marriage bestows.

The Saga Continues... He is risen!

by Nevin Jefferson - SGN Contributing Writer News item on the internet: "Dozens of Greek and Armenian priests and worshippers exchanged blows at one of Christianity's holiest shrines on Orthodox Palm Sunday and used palm fronds to pummel police who tried to break up the brawl." So much for Easter cheer here, gang! In light of this violent and unloving celebration where "Man's way, not God's way," rules, I present the following Saga complete with saints, sinners, and Easter miracles manifested through the power of prayer and Jesus truly awakening within us all. In the blink of a now moment, I was rushed to the hospital after Jim D., a good friend of mine, called 911 since I was too sick and out of it. My patience died, leaving behind a very ill and irritable 53-year-old black man who wasn't able to breathe, had an extremely bad case of pneumonia, and a highly elevated heartbeat caused by the poison in my knee that was now being pumped throughout my entire body. I couldn't walk due to the shot, swollen and infected left knee. My body took a timeout, which resulted in my being put on oxygen and hooked up to any and all machines with tubes galore. According to the doctors, it was a touch-and-go situation, with my death being a possibility. Other than "this," I was fine! "This" became my admittance into the ICU ward at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way Washington. Yes, gang, "The Saga Almost Ended"... Throughout this experience I found, blessed, and healed. I was found in prayers by my family of parishioners from St. George Episcopal Church in Maple Valley. Linda B. Caregiver Team sent an e-mail about my critical condition to my St. George Family. Eva B., who's battling cancer, started a prayer chain for me. Father Joe arrived the next day with his Book of Common Prayers book, which was given to him when he was ordained by his mentor and priest. He also bought me roses in a vase with a beanie ape clinking on it. He immediately laid hands on me and offered up prayers for healing. I felt myself being lifted up into the arms of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. I was blessed as my spirit lifted up to God through prayers and petitions. I didn't have the bright lights, bells and whistles that Heaven is told of. For me, it was like closing your eyes and drifting off into a deep sleep with a total nothing afterwards. I was healed by the healing hands of God and the healing power of the Christ within me. It was the love and care and show of support that gave me strength to conquer the health issues that I was facing. On Easter morning almost 2000 years ago, God awakened his son Jesus Christ from death into life & a new life. After 10-plus days of critical care I was moved during the early morning of Easter into the recovery unit. On the Easter morning of March 23, 2008, I was awakened from a deep slumber by the spirit of Christ within me. On that Easter Day, I received my Easter Communion from the Rev. Deacon Christ (St. George Episcopal Church in Maple Valley) who was joined by her husband J. who had an Easter lilies. This was the spiritual feeding that I needed to help nurture my soul. Chaplin Page (Lacey) sang hymns to me and to others as her "gifted" voice carried its way through the hallways. I'm a living witness who can testify that prayers are heard, answered, and "WORK!" I'm now called "The Miracle Man" of St. George's, whose mission is: "To reveal to the world the healing love of Jesus Christ through all we share." I'm the man who was healed on Easter morning. He is risen in me! He is risen in you! His spirit lives within me and His spirit lives within you. Yeah, God! Yeah, you! Yeah, me! Praise the Lord! Amen! Saga Notes: I'd like to thank my St. George Family for their love, support, and prayers.