Yesterday in Pittsburgh a hearing on a state constitutional amendment to ban gay and lesbian marriage drew an overflow crowd at the county courthouse. After past cries for a Federal amendment some have grown weary of the argument. Yet the debate on both sides seems to be alive and well.
The issue not only highlights the differences of individual belief, it also highlight denominational differences of belief.
Bishop David Zubik spoke to the crowd gathered. "I come to you today as a pastor, a pastor with a desire to testify on behalf of one of the oldest institutions of humanity -- marriage itself. At a time when we should be engaged in doing all we can to strengthen the family, we are facing cultural forces that want to so water down the definition of marriage that it could apply to any human relationship, or to no relationship at all," Bishop Zubik told members of the state Senate Judiciary Committee.
Bishop Zubik also called for tolerance. "Church teaching regarding the dignity of homosexual persons is clear," he said. "They must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity."
But the Rev. Janet Grill, pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, in Shadyside, urged the Legislature to defeat Senate Bill 1250 because, "it is a denial of rights." "I am not threatened by a variety of families," the Rev. Grill said, noting that her church, which includes a varying number of traditional and nontraditional family structures, thrives because of its diversity.
"I am heartened by the many ways God has given us to use the gift of sexuality for creating intimate, faithful relationships," she said. And from a spiritual standpoint, she added, the church has changed some of its positions over time.
With all due respect to Ms. Grill, God does not change His position. Therefore if the church is to truly represent God, then biblical truths can not be amended.
"We no longer condone slavery. We ordain women. We allow divorce," she said. "The power of the Holy Spirit has always been with us, guiding us in a world that is changing rapidly not only in technology, but also in lifestyle."
Ahhh.... No. Once again Ms. Grill has chosen to replace God with the desire of some people. God never condoned slavery. In fact he sent his son to free us. The historical church has not and does not ordain women. While government may allow divorce, the Catholic Church that Bishop Zubik represents does not. Therefore the "we" that Ms. Grill talks about does not include me, Bishop Zubik or the members of the Catholic faith.
The amendment has a long way to go. The bill must be approved not only by the current General Assembly but also by the 2009-10 Legislature, whose members will be elected in November.
If both the House and the Senate approve it, the bill would have to be approved in a statewide referendum in November 2009. That's when you get to vote if it makes it that far. It the job of all if us to make sure it does make it that far. That won't be easy.
State Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Squirrel Hill, vowed to fight the bill every step of the way. Pittsburgh City Council President Doug Shields said "This is wrong morally and it's wrong economically," Mr. Shields said the ban could affect same-sex benefits provisions in the city's labor contracts with a number of unions. Oh boo hoo. If a couple is not married why is the city paying for benefits anyway? We have city pensions that are unfunded and they are paying for people to live together.
Let's put personal opinions aside and let the people of Pennsylvania decide what a marriage is in the Commonwealth.
No comments:
Post a Comment