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God Does Not Discriminate
November 14, 2008
To the editor:
As one of only four straight men singing with Heartland Men’s Chorus of Kansas City, I am hurt and saddened by the passage of Proposition 8 in California. As an ordained pastor as well, I am hurt and saddened that many who favored Proposition 8 were either members or friends of various church denominations. As I often remind my fellow chorus members, “Don’t let the church get in the way of your God.”
The God I know welcomes all. I have often been asked, “How can you, as an ordained pastor, be in support of gay marriage?”
My response: “First of all, if I oppose gay marriage, it is discrimination. And the God I know does not discriminate against anyone. Secondly, when I sign a marriage license, I act as an agent for the state. And thus, I cannot discriminate against anyone. For who am I to deny anyone their legal rights?”
In other words, once marriage was taken out of the church, it became more than a holy commitment or covenant. It became a legally binding declaration, called a marriage license, which allows a married couple, for example, the right to purchase a home together, the right to be insured together, the right to share annuity and pension benefits, and the right to visit each other in the hospital. These are legal rights. This is not something that the church provides; it is something the state requires.
I believe the failure to discuss these two unique roles performed by clergy has led to the passage of Proposition 8. I hope and pray that God’s will be done in the future, so that all who seek the church’s approval may also gain California’s approval. Then the wedding bells can ring loud and true.
Blessings and peace,
The Rev. James “Buck” Firth, M.A., M.Div., UCC
Ordained pastor, United Church of Christ
Missouri Mid-South Conference
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