Church & State

Church & State is a provocative and credibly illustrative documentary film that premiered in 2018. Directed by Holly Tuckett and Kendall Wilcox, this film seeks to tackle one of the most contentious issues in contemporary America—the legalization of same-sex marriages. At heart, it is an exploration of human rights, equality, and dignity, told through the ever-complicated and dynamically unfolding landscape of politics, religion, and law.

The well-crafted narrative focuses on the high-tension clash between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormon Church), and the controversial case of legalizing gay marriages in Utah—a state where over 60% of the population is Mormon, and the church’s traditional influence significantly shapes politics and the social mindset.

In the center of this all, we have three protagonists—Jennifer Dobner, Mark Lawrence, and Jim Magleby. Their commitment to justice, courage to overlook societal norms, and perseverance forms the backbone of this intriguingly well-crafted story.

Jennifer Dobner, a renowned journalist leading the Salt Lake Tribune’s coverage of gay marriage in Utah, works diligently to ensure the unbiased truth reaches the masses. Dobner prides herself in shedding light on the real stories, the people behind the headlines, and the human impact of the skirmishing legal war on civil liberties.

Mark Lawrence, a gay man who relocated to Utah from San Francisco, emerges as the unlikely but brave advocate undertaking the task of challenging the church, the state, and the status quo. At first, his efforts may seem a bit erratic—filing a lawsuit without proper legal support, but Lawrence remains steadfast, fighting an uphill battle for equality, driven by a zealous pursuit for justice.

Corporate lawyer Jim Magleby agrees to join forces with Lawrence to provide the needed legal muscle to the cause. His involvement represents a significant shift in the campaign against Proposition 3, the constitutional amendment that had banned same-sex marriages in Utah.

Church & State creates a near-perfect blend of a wide-ranging series of interviews, court case details, and archive footage. These juxtaposing elements foster a broader understanding of the social, cultural, and political context. From activists and advocates to church officials and followers of the LDS church, the diversity of perspectives offered in the documentary further deepens the unfiltered insights into the battle over same-sex marriages.

The film compellingly charts the timeline of the case and the resultant snowball effect of the historic U.S. District Court ruling of Kitchen v. Herbert, which deemed the prohibition of same-sex marriage in Utah unconstitutional. This marked the first time a federal court struck down a state’s gay marriage ban since the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling invalidating the Defense of Marriage Act – making Utah an unexpected battleground in the national fight over gay marriage.

What truly sets Church & State apart though is its honest portrayal of the delicate balance between faith, law, and individual rights. It is a testament to the varying shades of human perception and the universal struggle for acceptance and love.

Moreover, it unfurls the stifling consequences when deeply ingrained beliefs and institutionalized structures impede the path of progress. The film carefully touches on the intricacies of the separation of church and state, the complexities surrounding the debate, and the difficult journey of achieving legislative support for same-sex marriages.

Church & State also sublimely showcases how an individual’s resilience and unwavering conviction could spark a sweeping movement towards change and justice, as it poignantly captures the essence of Lawrence’s tenacity and his pursuit of social progress.

Church & State is not just a documentary but a heartfelt examination of the journey of hope, persistence, and tireless advocacy. It shines a spotlight on the swing of societal attitudes over time, reminding us that the legalization of same-sex marriage was not just a legal feat but a victory built on the courage and determination of individuals who dared to challenge conventions.

In the end, Church & State is a revealing, engrossing, and inspiring cinematic experience that rings with humanity, resonating far beyond the borders of Utah or issues of marriage equality, and reminding audiences of the tireless quest for equality, for understanding, and for love.