“What does Obama’s announcement {supporting same-sex marriage) mean to you? Will it make any difference in your life?” asked CNN’s blog this morning
Here’s how I responded:
“The President’s declaration has not changed my life, but it has moved it one step closer to leaving behind the trail of tears the church has inflicted on its own members. I am a pastor. My family and church are straight and gay. I have shared the tears and listened to the sobs and shouts. I have cried their tears and shaken my head and wanted to make a fist.
“Here in the state of MN a referendum to amend the State Constitution – similar to the one that just passed in NC – will be on the ballot. I cringe that the proponents of the amendment – the opponents of marriage equality – often do so “in the name of Christ,” ignoring the fact that we have nothing to indicate any statement by Jesus on this issue, while at the same time they ignore the Beatitudes and other teachings of The Sermon on the Mount that clearly oppose the church’s endorsement of and participation in state-sponsored violence and war. It saddens me.
“My family makes no distinctions among us. Orientation is orientation. Families, churches, and cultures change slowly, and sometimes tumultuously
“My professional life will change when both the church and the state celebrate the commitment of two people, regardless of their gender, to the estate of marriage. Until then… every heterosexual wedding celebration will also remind me of those who cannot celebrate the same.
“A comedian once asked why GLBT folks shouldn’t be allowed to be as miserable as we (heterosexuals) are. Misery and joy do not reside within the lines we draw between “us” and “the other.” My gay son pays little attention. He’s not married, and, although his state permits it, he has chosen otherwise. But, in the event he decides that the blessings and miseries of marriage are for him, the choice should belong to him and his partner of 12 years. And, in the event he should so choose, the church should be there to celebrate and share the cake. When that day comes, my life will have changed.”
How would you respond the CNN question? Leave a comment to generate the discussion here.
And, if you’re looking for a welcoming church, stop by Shepherd of the Hill Presbyterian Church in Chaska Sunday morning at 9:30. Whatever your opinion, or any other source of division – no matter who you are – you’ll be welcome.
Views from the Edge 
The state of MN is coming upon a time I dread. I have been in other states that have voted on similar referenda. So many ugly words are said. I find it deeply painful. As Gordon says, part of that pain is due to the terrible contorting of the Christian message into something hateful.
I want you all to know that this lesbian treasures every word of love and support, whether I know you or not. Please keep talking.
Thank you, straight from my heart and tear-filled eyes.
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Your response makes me ridiculously, giddily, happy. Thank you for speaking up, always. The issue of marriage rights is incredibly dear to me— I want all of my friends to be able to marry, or not marry, as they see fit. I am so hopeful these days. So, so hopeful. Thank you.
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I just read one of your great pieces and commented. You are one uniquely gifted writer. Thanks for paying attention to Views from the Edge. I’m honored.
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We have a euphemism for “gay” in our family. It is “friend of the family.”
Despite being opposed to uninformed procreation that prevails and threatens
the planet, we know that all human beings who have arrived, must have equal rights.
The president’s announcement is just as it should be,
plain old ordinary good leadership… Yay for grown-ups.
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My church-self says “Amen!” My other self says “YAY for grown-ups!” like Robert and “friends of the family”. Cheers and thanks. I’ll be by for coffee, but not until I spend next week on study leave.
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Gordie, Thanks for your input. I have enjoyed getting to know you again and delighted we think alike in so many ways.
Fondly, JoAnne
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WOW – SO GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU, JoAnne. I had no idea you were reading the blog. I have no way of knowing. I just know that some people are reading it by the number of visitors each day. The only way I know is when I get a comment like this. And when it comes from the girl who set the moon for me in 9th grade, it makes the hairs ont he back of my old neck stand up. 🙂 Greetings to you and Bill. Come back often, please.
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I would comment on the young woman client I had in Connecticut who was depressed, unable to work consistently at what she really loved to do, and was about ready to give up on me and our work together. I was ready to agree with her. Then she met the love of her life — they’ve been together for over 15 years now, still in touch with me. When I met her partner, I could only think how beautiful and ardent was their love, like the love I had for the man who became my husband. I remembered my longing to be with him every possible minute. How could anyone find evil in a love that restored joy, energy, health, and competence? I won’t provide my answer to that question here, but it’s not complimentary.
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I wish everyone could experience what you experienced. Love – REAL love (agape, philia, and eros) pays no heed to our borders or the playing fields we artificially call legitimate. Loved exceeds ever attempt to contain ir or control it. Just like God!
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