Marriage

As the Supreme Court nears giving an opinion on marriage, I will add my voice to the dialogue. Lest any one, on any side take offense before reading the entire blog, let me state I share a voice for all. And before those who hold to the Christian faith get up in arms, I do have three theology degrees and you have the right to say at the end, "That did not do him any good".

The first and last words of the New Testament are grace and love. I believe those who hold to the Christian, Muslim, or Jewish faiths should have the right and protection to practice that faith even if they believe marriage should be between one man and one women (the Church hasn't done any better in society in maintaining only one man and woman but that is another blog). No judgement on any who have experienced divorce. The Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions hold a high view of marriage according to their faith and practice. But they should not dictate that view on others. And they should not have the sole authority by the State to perform weddings. They should be able to perform marriages and sanctify marriages according to their practice. Christian/Jewish faith should not be forced to violate their conscience. But as of now, all marriages performed in a Sanctuary, Temple, and Mosque begin with the couple going to the court house and getting a marriage license. All clergy sign this, validating the marriage on behalf of the State. So let's take religious opinion out of a State sanctified act and let there be "liberty and justice for all." It is "we the people" of the United States and that includes all of us and our right to practice 'family' with our chosen partners.

I do support the right of all citizens to choose their own partners and engage in marriage and not be judged. Whatever one's position on marriage, no one should force their ideal of marriage on each other. There is room in this country for us to once again be civil and live and grow in our differences and uniqueness.

 We need separation of Church and State over this issue more than ever. The State should grant the right for all who seek marriage to do so with no barriers. Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faiths (and all others) should sanctify unions according to their traditions. They should not be judged and those unions should be valid and upheld by the State. Those who seek union with their partner (same sex) should not be judged and their marriage should be valid and upheld by the State. There should be equity for all. People are afraid we are changing traditional Christian/Judeo understanding of marriage. That is not a issue. Those who hold to a traditional Christian/Judeo understanding of marriage should be free and protected to robustly practice their faith. Those who embrace a different understanding of marriage and union should be free and protected to robustly practice their beliefs. Christian/Judeo beliefs on marriage have held dominance in our country. But the constitution while granting freedom of religion does not afford any faith group dominance or preference in enforcing the marriage ethic of the country. There is freedom for all.

What ever we do, let's cease the name calling, judging and treating one another with less than common decency. May the Supreme Court uphold the Constitution granting everyone the right to chose one partner (hopefully for life - respecting the dignity of the union) and live as happily ever after as they can. What ever you believe about faith, marriage takes prayer.

My prayer is for a more civil union in the days ahead.