Hundreds of people are expected tonight at 7:30 p.m. for an interfaith worship service of thanksgiving and celebration at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Midtown.

St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Atlanta

Credit: Brian O'Shea (AJC)

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Credit: Brian O'Shea (AJC)

"This is a watershed moment for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters - and for our country. We at St. Luke's feel it is important to take the time to celebrate and to give God thanks for this leap forward," said the Rev. Dan Matthews Jr., rector of St. Luke's.

People of all faiths are invited and clergy from across Atlanta have been asked to participate. "We hope to have a significant turnout from people of all faiths and orientations," Matthews said. Members of the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus and the Atlanta Women’s Chorus have also been invited to join the St. Luke’s Choir for the service.

In addition to offering thanksgiving and celebrating the court ruling, the occasion provides an opportunity for St. Luke's to emphasize that its doors are open to all people seeking God. "Our hope is to make an important statement to the gay community, which has been so injured by the church in the past," Matthews said.

Childcare will be provided beginning at 6:30 p.m. St. Luke's is located at 435 Peachtree Street NE, between Pine Street and Ralph McGill Blvd. There is ample, complimentary parking directly across Peachtree Street from the church. The Civic Center MARTA Station is a short walk away.

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