Reverend Karen Crooch’s dedication to equality for all Oregonians stems not only from her faith, but also from her devotion to her family. She recalls:  "as I journeyed with my developmentally disabled son, I became convinced that God does not intend for anyone to be cast to the margins of society because they do not fit an accepted norm... [and] I yearn for the day when all individuals will be appreciated for the fullness of their God-given humanity."

Her definition of equality completely echoes that sentiment as well. She believes that "every person is to be treated with the respect and dignity inherent in God’s good creation; given equal access and protection under the law; and to be valued as each one of us accepts and lives into our unique humanity in all its fullness."  To Rev. Crooch, there is no room in life for discrimination.

As "an advocate for justice and in the faith community and political arena... over the past 18 years," Reverend Crooch recalls many times in which individuals were discriminated against because they or someone they knew were gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. She remembers friends who have been asked to leave congregations because of their sexuality, "a friend beaten and left for dead on the roadside, and a lesbian couple murdered because of their sexual orientation."  But such sad occurrences only strengthen Rev. Crooch's dedication to all people.

To further resonate her encompassing beliefs, Rev. Crooch also believes that "it is not the gender of the individuals that is to be celebrated and recognized, it is the loving relationship that exists between partners, whether gay or straight.  It is right to honor that commitment and provide the resulting protection and rights."  To her, there is no logical, legal, or spiritual reason to bar same-sex couples from the right to marry.