WASHINGTON - After easily passing a District council vote, a bill recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions is now in the hands of Congress.

As residents await the final word from Congress, the contentious debate continues. The bill has the nation's capital bitterly divided, particularly the city's clergy.

After the 12-to-1 vote on the bill last month, ministers who oppose gay marriage packed the council corridor to protest the issue. "Not on our watch. Marriage must be between a man and a woman," one clergy member argued there.

Now that same group is pushing for a referendum, arguing the council failed to listen to the voters and the fate of the bill should be decided by a majority vote.

On Tuesday morning, pastors in support of marriage equality shared their own views.

Faith leaders representing congregations in every ward of the city held a press conference on Tuesday morning to announce the formation of a coalition group, D.C. Clergy United for Marriage Equality.

"It's something that unites us, and something that we're proud to say our faith calls us to do," said Rev. Robert Hardies, one of the same-sex marriage supporters who attended.

"The view that the D.C. clergy united have is that we are united in believing that Jesus and our God brings forth love, and would support marriage equality," explained Rev. Christine Wiley, another clergy member who spoke.

In addition to expressing their support for marriage equality, members of the clergy called for a civil and respectful debate in the months ahead.

D.C. residents remain similarly divided. "I believe that the Lord made a man to be with a woman and a woman to be with a man," said resident Alan Catrell.

"It's to each their own, you know. It's their choice. It doesn't matter to me, so long as everyone is happy," argued Wakisha Riddick.

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