Standing under a crucifix at Gig Harbor's United Methodist Church, the 50 or so who attended a "marriage equality" meeting recently, posed for a picture as the photographer encouraged the group, "close together, love thy neighbor."
Joel Connelly, columnist for the Seattle PI, was among those attending, describing the group as "babies, toddlers, young couples and seniors."
Rev. Jim Head-Corliss, pastor of the church, explained why he hosted the meeting. He told Connelly that, "This is a civil rights issue."
State Representative Laurie Jenkins, a Tacoma Democrat and lesbian activist who led part of the meeting said, "Truly this is the first time in 25 years we have had a meeting like this here."
Connelly defined people for other causes as people, "marching and shouting about change into bull horns"---while defining the homosexual "marriage" advocates as quiet, organized and focused on convincing legislators to re-define marriage.
A campaign recently launched against the Salvation Army suggests a very different demeanor by folks in this same community. I'll write about that tomorrow.
So what was the discussion in the meeting? Which legislators were specifically discussed? And, simply stated, what is the real question of the marriage debate?
Democratic Senator Derek Kilmer was defined as an advocate for "civil rights" issues, but they see him as "ambivalent" about re-defining marriage. They reported to the those gathered that, "It's the word 'marriage' that bothers him."
They think that the State House will likely pass Sen. Ed Murray's bill, based on the numbers and the support already shown by the House leadership. They also think the battle will come down to the State Senate. I agree.
So why would Senator Kilmer be "bothered" about re-defining the word marriage?
Clearly stated, this whole issue comes to this question:
What Is Marriage?
Is marriage the union between one man and one woman, introduced at Creation by the Creator Himself as the ultimate human relationship for mutual fulfillment, procreation and the nurturing and development of children, affirmed by every successful civilization and major religion in history?
Or...
Is it a mechanism or device to affirm and validate other, various relationships?
Associated Press reported from the initial meeting in Bellevue a couple of weeks ago that one of the main reason homosexual advocates are pushing for "marriage" is to "remove the stigma" from their behavior.
Washington State has already given them the benefits through the domestic partnership law.
What do you think marriage is? And should it be re-defined?
That question will be answered in Washington State in 2012. Either in the legislature or by a vote of the people.
During a time of questioning, the ancient biblical leader Joshua told his people, "You have seen God's faithfulness to us. You know His principles." While all may not agree, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
A contemporary call would be, "Choose this year if marriage between a man and a woman is an institution created by God and honored and affirmed by every major religion and civilization, for specific purposes."
Or...
Is it a mechanism, a device, for affirming and elevating various other relationships, for various other reasons? Or is there a deeper reason for its existence?
Defending marriage is not about hate or trying to deny anyone anything. It is about protecting the most fundamental human cornerstone of human experience.
Those who defend it will be demonized. I have been and so have many of you.
But, we must choose where we stand on this issue. And we must choose now.
As for me and my house, we will defend marriage and oppose re-defining it.
And we will act on that deeply held conviction. Will you?
You can help us stand in defense of marriage by financially supporting Faith and Freedom now.
This time of decision will pass. Our actions or in-actions will create the future of the culture for our children.
Your support is essential to a successful defense of marriage. Thank you.
Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Active. Be Prayerful. Be Blessed.
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