Every river begins as a trickle. We believe that change, even if it occurs slowly, is pertinent, especially when such change is a call for social justice. Think of how many people in the South were in favor of slavery in the nineteenth century. Did the majority rule of the Southern populace make the institution of slavery just? This is one step on a “justice journey” that others have begun. The journey and the dialogue need to continue.

There are many who feel as if sexual orientation is not a choice. Sexuality is complex. It is due to many factors; many scientists believe that genetics is one dynamic. Yes, we are asking heterosexuals to change the process by which they will get married, but we are not asking them to do anything different than what we propose for those in LGBT community. Furthermore, as already mentioned, there is a precedent for this model: many European countries already do this. Lastly, because we believe that sexual orientations are God-given, then advocating for the rights of all people made in the image of God is a civil (and religious) right.

Churches are private institutions. They reserve the right to not sign marriage licenses if they choose. Clergy reserve the right not to sign state-issued marriage licenses for heterosexual couples, for example, if they feel as if their relationship is not healthy and the couple should not be married. That couple can still get married; they just cannot get married in the church, synagogue, mosque, or temple of their choice.

That is certainly one of the traditional reasons for marriage. Historically, marriage was about many things, including property rights. Interestingly enough, most people have no problem with heterosexual couples who are unable to have children getting married. That’s because society in general knows that marriage is about many things: including affirming the love and commitment that two people have for one another — a love and commitment they wish to affirm publically. That pertains to the LGBT community as much as it does to John and Mary Jones.

Again, we are not advocating that heterosexuals should not get married. We simply feel that the “civil” side of marriage and the “ecclesial” side should be kept separate for all people. We also feel that gays and lesbians should be granted the same rights by state and federal governments that heterosexuals enjoy.

Marriage involves far more than inheritance and health insurance. There are 1,049 rights, privileges, and responsibilities given to heterosexual couples when clergy-persons sign their marriage licenses. Furthermore, marriage is about having one’s love solemnized and recognized as “official” in the eyes of the Church and society. Shouldn’t gays and lesbians be given that same right?