Happy Valentine’s Day.

I love that Valentine's Day is almost a national holiday. How great that we have a day to remind us how important love is in our lives. I like that there are organizations that have proclaimed this week as Freedom to Marry Week, V-Day, and even National Condom Week. I like that this holiday has pagan and religious roots, but has transcended all that into a holiday that is celebrated all over the world. I liked the way it was celebrated in elementary school: every child gives a valentine to every other child in the class.

Every Sunday, the congregants at the church I serve as community minister in Westport, CT, begins its affirmation, “Love is the spirit of this church and service its law.” Our religious traditions call us to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Our work at the Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing is fundamentally about love. We are working to help create a world where the gift of our sexuality can be celebrated with holiness and integrity. Our core commitments are grounded in love: all children should be loved and wanted; all people should be treated with dignity and respect; all persons should have the right to legal and religious marriage; all people should have the information, education and services they need to make responsible sexual decisions.

We are proud of the work we do at the Religious Institute. In 2007, our budget and our staff doubled in size. We are grateful to those of you who support our ministries and we invite you to learn more about our accomplishments in 2007 in our new annual report.

We don't need to have a partner to celebrate Valentine's Day. Take the time to reach out to all the people you love in your life. Be grateful to each person who has taught you how to love with your whole heart and being -- parent, friend, partner, lover.

May your heart be filled with love this Valentine’s Day.