I've kept quiet
on the Supreme Court’s decision regarding marriage, reading posts (from both sides), trying
to understand where others stand; balancing on the ledge between people who
touch my life in any number of ways and who have varied responses.
I am no expert
on sexuality...but I think I know something about love and commitment. I am no
expert on civil rights...but I think I know that we all deserve them. I may
have a Master of Divinity and the blessing to be a priest...but I am not God,
so I do not have all the answers.
What I read in
this blog by Ben Irwin this morning made sense to me. Ben gives some real suggestions that may
help people be, well, people. People who can look beyond the divisions we,
ourselves —not the Supreme Court—not the President—are placing among the people
we share this world with. When we begin to understand that God created each of
us in God's image--in God's rainbow of cultures, races, sexuality, ability--we
can begin to understand our responsibility to want what is best for our
brothers and sisters. But like in any family, we don't have to agree on the way
we each live, the choices we make, the jobs we have, the way we raise (or
choose not to) kids, or the faith community we choose (or not).
What I believe
is non-negotiable is this: We do have to respect one another.
To respect one
another means we have to give each other the voice to express their feelings
and concerns without condemnation. We each need to understand the story we each
bring. Where we come from will impact our personal views; who we know. The relationships we have, the doctrines we believe will also impact us.
As for me and
my house…I choose to live with the verses below. They are not always easy, but with God’s
help, I try to respect the dignity of every human being. These verses help me.
Love the Lord your God with all your
heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest
commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. Mark 12:30-31
I give you a new
commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also
should love one another. By
this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one
another.’ John 13:34
Amen.