Tradition. In every argument I hear against same-sex marriage, that word is used. Opponents worry that gay and lesbian marriages will go against “tradition.” At first I believed they were right, and that, yes, gay and lesbian marriages would not be traditional, and that would
Blessing same-sex marriage for the “right” reasons As a Baptist minister, I find the task of writing on the issue of allowing gays and lesbians to marry an assignment that brings with it much fear and trepidation. There is not a lot of healthy debate
Over the last several months the debate concerning “gay marriage” has risen to new heights of passion and meanness. I suspect the basic reason for this is centered around power and control issues. Those who have defined marriage as the exclusive right of heterosexuals want
There are names synonymous with the struggle for gay and lesbian civil rights: Stonewall, Bowers v. Hardwick, Baehr vs. Lewin. Baehr v. Lewin? That’s the lawsuit in Hawaii that started this recent push for same-sex marriage. In 1993, that state’s Supreme Court ruled in that
First Congregational Church of Berkeley, Calif. Readings for the Third Sunday after Pentecost: Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8 It is remarkable and fitting that on the day we dedicate to remembering our fathers, we should hear a story about Abraham, whose name means “Father of a
First Congregational Church of Berkeley, Calif. Reading for the Fourth Sunday of Advent: Matthew 1:18-25 The day has come. Christmas Eve. We have waited and it has arrived, as it does every year, on time. Whether it seems early or late, to have come quickly
First Congregational Church of Berkeley, Calif. Readings for Thanksgiving: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know the Lord is God! It is he that made us and we are his;
Wichita (Kan.) Metropolitan Community Church Reading for the Fourth Sunday in Lent: Luke 15:11-32 “Home” — what an emotionally loaded word! It conjures up all kinds of subjective reactions in us, according to our experience. Ideally, home is the place of safety, where you count