Church supports civil unions

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A banner outside a local church touts civil marriage as a civil right.

"As we unveil this simple sign as a symbol of our commitment to the cause of human rights, we are prayerfully mindful of those who have suffered rejections," said Khleber M. Van Zandt, pastor of the First Unitarian Church of Alton, as the sign was unveiled Sunday morning.

Van Zandt, along with the congregation, gathered outside the church at Third and Alby streets before services to reveal two white banners with green block lettering that read, "Civil marriage is a civil right" and "A church of open hearts and open hands."