United Church News reports:

A major insurance company that sought out business from a local United Church of Christ congregation in Michigan has subsequently refused to even provide a quote for coverage when it learned the church's denomination supported same-gender marriage equality and the ordination of gay clergy.

Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, based in Fort Wayne, Ind., told West Adrian United Church of Christ in Adrian, Mich., that its denomination's gay-affirming stances made it a "higher risk" for property and liability insurance.

"Our company's decision to not submit a quote to your organization arose out of information that was supplied in a supplemental application, indicating that your organization 'publicly endorses or practices the marriage of same-sex couples' and 'publicly endorses or practices the ordination of the homosexual clergy,'" wrote Marci J. Fretz, a regional underwriter for Brotherhood Mutual, in a July 30 letter to the church.

The company claimed that such stances increased the risk of violence and therefore made UCC congregations an unacceptable risk.  Ironically, the front page of their website promotes how to deal with "violence at your church."

You can contact Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company by calling 1-800-333-3735 to register your views with the company.