GAY MARRIAGE EQUALITY BILL SB5793

My pastor forwarded this to me - I am passing it on to you!

Not a pastor? Click here to forward to your pastor and church leaders. Dated: January 17, 2011 Dear Fellow Pastors, I am writing to you today with an urgent message about the Gay Marriage Equality bill, SB 5793, introduced on Friday, January 13, 2012 in Washington State. This is a deceptive and dangerous bill. It represents a radical shift in the definition of marriage and would be a serious threat to religious freedom. The bill's introduction says it would not force clergy or churches to marry gays. However, it adds a section to state marriage law dealing with discrimination. There has never been a section on discrimination in the Washington Marriage Code. This is a pretty clear warning about the future. You don't add discrimination for the first time without an intention to use it. First they label it discrimination then they criminalize it. They say they are respecting clergy and churches but they place refusal to marry gays in the category of discrimination. Sexual rights are more important than the violation of a core tenant of our religious beliefs. A bill which describes the conditions under which a church can be sued for discrimination against gays is not about marriage equality and it certainly does not protect religious freedom. The Gay Marriage Equality bill is a serious threat to religious freedom in Washington State. It takes aim at the heart of religious freedom. Churches and ministers who participate in the newly defined "discrimination" against gays would be subject to lawsuits and legal penalties. You will be bludgeoned into acceptance and submission. They want the church to accept and approve of gay marriage whether we like it or not. The state has already granted gays every right that goes along with marriage. They have equality under the law. But that's apparently not enough for Governor Gregoire and the homosexual special interest groups. The Gay Marriage Equality bill will not be satisfied until virtually every church in Washington is forced to allow gays to hold their weddings in church sanctuaries under the threat of discrimination lawsuits. The laws against discrimination are so expansive that virtually every church in Washington could come under legal threat. Just fighting back legally could bankrupt most churches whether or not you were actually guilty of anything. All the hype on this bill says it protects religious freedom. Nothing could be further from the truth. The bill says a church can refuse to marry gays without being subject to "a civil claim or cause of action unless ..." When someone says we are not going to have a problem "unless..." you already have a problem. More than that, when they add a section to the marriage laws covering "discrimination" they are telling you how this will eventually go down. They intend to come after churches and clergy using discrimination as their weapon. They want us to tolerate them but they don't want to tolerate us. They want to use the power of the state and civil rights laws to force the church into accepting homosexuality. They give lip service to religious freedom while at the same time setting up the legal system to empower homosexual coercion of the church. This is not marriage equality. It is the setup for a knockdown. They already have equality but that is not what they actually want. They want to force the church to accept homosexuality. Some churches might be able to decline to host gay weddings under some limited circumstances but would be forced to allow gay weddings in their sanctuary under most circumstances. What churches could be forced to allow gay weddings? Does the public ever use your facilities? If you ever allow non-members to use your sanctuary for a wedding you could NOT deny a gay couple from using your sanctuary. Do you have a pop machine or sell coffee? Do you sometimes have fundraisers where you sell cookies or popcorn for consumption at the church? Have you ever allowed your church to be used by another Christian organization for which they paid you a fee? All of those actions would open the door to a civil rights lawsuit and severe penalties if you failed to allow a gay couple to use your facility to have their wedding. The laws covering discrimination create a wide net to include any place "... where food or beverages of any kind are sold for consumption on the premises," Discrimination also includes places with "schools of special instruction, or nursery schools, or day care centers or children's camps" Those provisions alone include thousands of Washington churches. The marriage laws of Washington have never referenced discrimination. So-called "Gay Marriage Equality" will change everything. The church that I pastor would probably have at least twenty different avenues from which we could be attacked under this proposed Gay Marriage Equality law. Our refusal to have gay weddings is labeled as "discriminatory" under this law even though we would be theoretically exempted from prosecution from the government "unless..." However, the "discriminatory" label would deprive a church like ours of grants and gifts from organizations, which have a policy against "discrimination defined by law." One only has to remember United Way's hostile treatment of the Boy Scouts decision prohibiting gay scout leaders. That is the future of religious freedom as well. The bill is very deceptive about its intentions. Several places it claims to protect religious freedom and to respect clergy and religious institutions. This is pure propaganda of the worst sort. It is democracy Soviet style: Say one thing and do another. Say you are protecting churches but label their actions as discriminatory and make them subject to the criminal laws on discrimination. Say that no state agency or local government can penalize an organization if a minister refuses to marry a gay but threaten the church with a claim for damages or cause of action if they don't rent to gays for weddings or receptions. The Gay Marriage Equality bill touts the narrow religious exemption to deceive the gullible while hiding the cause for legal actions under the wide net of the discrimination clause. The velvety call for equality hides the iron fist reserved for religious holdouts. Pastors, if you are concerned about this bill, please consider taking the following three actions: First, personally contact your legislators about this. Some legislators have said they have not heard from a conservative member of the clergy in a decade or more. Express your concern not just about the religious freedom risks, but about the underlying issue of redefining marriage as well. Second, share this information with your congregation and make sure they understand why God wants His church to use our influence to encourage righteousness in legislation. Third, give your church the legislative hotline number (1-800-562-6000) and urge them to call. You can print contact cards to distribute for your congregation here: http://media1.razorplanet.com/share/511538-7984/siteDocs/Hotline%20Flier.pdf. If you are concerned about the legality of these actions, please look at the following legal guidelines: http://www.fpiw.org/get-involved/churchs-and-pastors/legal-guidelines-for-pastors.html. You can also urge your congregation to email their legislators by sending them to the following website: http://www.fpiw.org/marriage/email-your-legislator.html. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, concerns and/or have comments you'd like to share.  Y ours for the Kingdom, Joe Fuiten fuitenj@msn.com

I HAVE A DREAM....

Dr Martin Luther King, Jr was born January 15, 1929 – and died April 4, 1968. His most well known speech was one he made during the 'March on Washington' in August of 1963. (I was 17 years old at the time and had just graduated from High School in May of that year.)

The most frequently quoted sentence from what came to be known as his ‘I Have A Dream’ speech given during that march is, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

It was and is a laudable dream. Character matters. In fact, it is noteworthy timing that we have this as a very present reminder.

I have been reading the Old Testament book of Daniel. Daniel had character. He is a perfect model for demonstrating what character looks like. He was faithful to his beliefs in spite of opposition. He had incredible integrity and remarkable character. Character is not something that is created in times of trouble; character is revealed in times of trouble.

We need those who have committed to lead our state to demonstrate that quality of character. It takes courage to stand for what is right when it is in opposition to the growing trend to bend to the pressure of politically correct perspectives. Integrity and honor demand that courage!

I, too, have a dream. It is a dream for people to treat people well in spite of differences, yet standing firm in matters pertaining to Biblical truths and teachings. In reality, I know the fulness of my dream will not be realized until I reach heaven's shore - but it's alright to have the dream!

Other selected quotes credited to Martin Luther King, Jr:

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable…. Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”

“A man who won’t die for something is not fit to live.”

(I would state that last one a bit differently, i.e., "Having something worth dying for makes life worth living." Or "Live for something that is worth dying for." But I understand what he is saying!)

HOMOSEXUALITY - OBSERVATIONS

I have never done online research before about homosexuality to learn what other Christian sources say - but I just found this article Friday from Focus on the Family, and decided to share it on my blog in its entirety. It is well written and does a great job of expressing what I want to convey.

The article follows:

Can you explain and defend your ministry's perspective on homosexuality and same-sex marriage?

Question

Can you explain and defend your ministry's perspective on homosexuality and same-sex marriage? I've heard it argued that the Bible doesn't really have anything to say against them. What do you think?

Answer

As an evangelical Christian ministry committed to the authority of Scripture as the inspired Word of God, Focus on the Family believes that sex is given by God as an expression of love to be shared and enjoyed exclusively between a husband and wife. Further, we are convinced that the Bible leaves no room whatsoever for confusion or ambiguity where homosexual behavior is concerned. The Scripture both explicitly and implicitly regards it as falling outside of God's intention in creating man and woman as sexual beings who bear His image as male and female.

To this we would add the crucial observation that, here as elsewhere in the Christian life, the example and commandment of Christ places us under obligation to proclaim both God's truth and His redemptive grace. We must "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15). There is no place for hatred, hurtful comments, or other forms of rejection toward those who experience same-sex attraction or identify themselves as gay, lesbian or bisexual. Because we humans are made in the image of God, Jesus teaches us to regard all humanity as having inherent value, worth and dignity—including those affirming or adopting labels or behaviors which we believe the Bible associates with sexual sin. The priority of love for the Christian is unquestionable, and the cause of love is advanced by telling the truth with grace and compassion.

As for same-sex "marriage," we see no place for it within the context of a Christian worldview. According to the Bible, marriage is heterosexual by definition. Jesus, when expressing his understanding of the scriptural foundation for the divine purpose and design in marriage, referred to its origins in the Creation account: "From the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh..." (Mark 10:6-8, quoting Genesis 2:24).

We realize that not everyone shares our perspective. Even within the ranks of professing Christians there are those who don't believe that God's Word and created order affirm heterosexual marriage as the one and only legitimate context for sexual expression. A careful study of this stance shows that its adherents either discount the authority of Scripture or adopt interpretive methods that create the latitude to ignore or distort the plain and obvious meaning of its words.

In our opinion, the clarity of God's truth on this matter remains unchanged in spite of hermeneutical methods designed to justify homosexual behavior. The Bible prohibits all kinds of sexual promiscuity—heterosexual as well as homosexual. Logical consistency demands that individuals and groups who want to reinterpret Scripture to sanction free sexual expression among homosexuals should extend the same concession to heterosexual singles; and, in fact, some have already taken this next step. But none of this can alter the facts: there is simply no scriptural support for endorsing sexual immorality (i.e., sexual activity outside the bond of heterosexual marriage) for anyone, no matter what his or her personal sexual feelings may be.

We hope these thoughts help to clarify these issues in your own mind. You may also want to view our "Position Statement on Same-Sex 'Marriage' and Civil Unions" and articles concerning revisionist theology. For further information on our perspective, we invite you to visit two areas on our CitizenLink website: Homosexuality and Gender Issues and Marriage.

If you have additional questions or would like to discuss your concerns at greater length with a member of our staff, we'd like to invite you to call Focus on the Family's Counseling Department at your own convenience. Our counselors are available to speak with you Monday through Friday between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Mountain time at 855-771-HELP (4357)

Resources
101 Frequently Asked Questions About Homosexuality (book)

Responding to Pro-Gay Theology: What Does the Bible Really Say? (booklet)

The Truth About Same-Sex Marriage: 6 Things You Must Know About What's Really at Stake (book)

Same Sex Marriage: Is It Really The Same? (book)

Ten Persuasive Answers to the Question . . . Why Not Gay Marriage? (DVD)

Lola's postscript:

A few years ago I was having lunch at the Farmer's Market in Olympia, and seated next to me at the outdoor picnic table was a young man with a baby. As I watched his fumbled attempts at burping the child, I leaned over and said, "May I offer you some motherly advice?" He said, "Yes! My partner and I just adopted this baby, and have no one to go to to ask questions." The ensuing conversation left no doubt that his partner was a male. I didn't address that issue at all, but did share some basic parenting tips for which he expressed profuse gratitude.

My point in sharing that is: on a personal level, I believe in extending care and compassion, being kind and not confrontive. But as I made it clear in my prior post, I believe the vocal minority wants to feel that what they are doing is O K. In an effort to make themselves feel equal and legitimized they are asking us to deny this specific behavior is sin, and call it acceptable alternative, normal behavior. Sadly, no matter what 'man' calls the behavior, God still calls it sin - and ultimately, He is the One all of us must answer to.

In the meantime, I will continue to be loving and kind on an individual basis, and speak the Truth as required by my faith, on the larger issue.

'LEGITIMIZING' HOMOSEXUALITY

I am agonizing over issues related to the sin of homosexuality. (And I am going to offer a disclaimer at the inception of this post: As a Christian I am instructed to speak the truth in love. You can't hear my voice to hear the love this is immersed in. It is not my goal to hurt - but I do know that the truth can hurt, even when spoken lovingly.)

Last fall a college friend sent me an email with a very cleverly written and performed u-tube video attached! If you want to see it yourself you can find it by typing in ‘2 roosters don’t make a chicken’ in your search engine. The one I opened was titled ‘Down on the Farm’.

Procreation isn't the only consideration when we broach the subject of homosexuality. Any sex outside marriage is sin according to the Bible, and marriage consists of a man and a woman. Pretty simple to figure out the rest.... It isn't the 'only' sin to be resisted, but it is one that definitely repulses God.... God made sex to be something very special between a married man and woman, and it has been perverted in many ways. Premarital sex is sin. Extra-marital sex is sin. Sex with animals is sin. Sex with someone of the same sex is sin, and it is one of many sins God addresses clearly and definitively.

Sadly, some people think that believing what God's Word says about homosexuality means I am homophobic. I’m certainly not. I can love the sinner and hate the sin. I have 3 dear friends who have children who are living in committed adult relationships with a person of their same sex. Two of the referenced offspring are male; one is female (joined in an out-of-state ceremony to her partner, they are moms to twins). I had one of the young men in youth group all through his Junior High and High School years. I love him dearly! I can love him and still not agree with his choice to follow his inclination. But, on a personal level, I do not address the issue. I love the person, hate the sin, and leave it between him and God.

On a general level, I find I must address the issue. There are two critical areas where the vocal minority on this issue have crossed the line: ministry and marriage.

I was part of the Presbyterian Church for 38 years. I began attending regularly in 1971. I love the church – both the denomination and the people – and the growth I experienced during those years. However, I did not join the church right away, with the biggest issue being that the accepting of homosexuals into leadership roles kept coming up in General Assembly year after year. It was a vocal minority. (I believe everyone should be welcomed at the level of attending, should be loved and well-cared for, but that only people who choose to live in fidelity within God’s laws should be in leadership, and that covers a lot more than just sexual issues!)

It was important to a new pastor who came that I officially join the church. I had taught Sunday School, been the Sunday School Superintendent, been active in numerous other ways – but I wasn’t a ‘member’. I expressed my concern over that one issue – and told him that if they ever voted to allow homosexuals in leadership and ministry roles, I would leave the church – but I would leave loudly. He assured me that what I was concerned about would never happen – but that if it did, he promised me that he would be right behind me. So, I joined. That was almost 30 years ago.

As it turned out, I left my denomination 3 ½ years ago over theological error of another sort – with the specific church I was attending promoting that there could be other ways to God except through Jesus…but in the spring of 2011 the dreaded vote happened, and homosexuals were welcomed into leadership and ministry in the PCUSA, subject to the vote of individual presbyteries and churches.

This fall I heard that the elders of the church I previously attended for 30 years voted unanimously to leave the denomination over the ruling of allowing homosexuals to be in leadership in the denomination. Last week I was told that the church I left 3 ½ years ago over errant theology has now hired a lesbian as their youth leader. And last night, just before I left to go to church for First Wednesday Prayer Meeting, my state’s governor, Christine Gregoire, announced that she is going to introduce the bill to allow same-sex marriages in Washington state. That was what tipped the scales and compels me to write.

This particular sin is thrust on us daily, with the outcry that we must accept it as acceptable behavior. God doesn't. Neither should we. On a personal level I can adopt a 'live and let live' attitude, allowing for the reality that what happens between consenting adults is none of my business, but that doesn't mean I approve. Sin breaks God's heart. All sin. And when a church I love and a state I love become complicit in trying to normalize sin by voting to legitimize it, it is time to speak up.

People can be tempted with all sorts of sin – but being tempted isn’t sin! It's succumbing to the temptation that is sin. I feel great compassion for people who feel trapped in a body that generates thoughts and desires that violate God's laws – but the sin is not the thought, it is the act that is the sin. Whatever that temptation is, no matter what the indulgence or over-indulgence is, it is only in acting on it that it becomes sin. (I could argue that savoring it in one’s thought life could also be sin.)

The bottom line is that the Bible is my plumb line. God is very clear how He feels about this issue. God loves the sinner and hates the sin.

And why, why, why do people who do not want to honor God’s design want to borrow His terminology for their relationships? Marriage is God’s design. Marriage is God’s word. Marriage only describes a relationship between a man and a woman in God’s definition. Calling something marriage that isn’t doesn’t normalize or legitimize it in God’s eyes!

Washington state already honors domestic partnerships. In a purely politically correct sense, that allows people who care for each other the rights and privileges of relationship. Those relationship privileges are thereby extended when it comes to things such as sitting with a loved one at their death bed, which was one issue that came up when one member of a lesbian couple was not allowed to be with her partner at her hospital deathbed because she was not ‘next of kin.’ Denying them those last moments together was wrong – and ‘domestic partnership’ covers that contingency.

Governor Gregoire says it is time to pass the bill allowing same-sex marriage. I disagree, and I fear for the results to our state. Defying God is not a good idea!

Lord, teach me how to navigate the rough waters ahead – to be faithful to Your Word, and loving to my neighbor – even when we disagree….. Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. You love the sinner and hate sin. I am called to do the same. You cleanse people from sin and forgive sins. All sins.