Thoughts from my heart as a priest

I have been blessed. When Jack and I planned our wedding fifteen years ago, we knew we couldn’t be married in the Roman Catholic Church, which was his background. We had both been previously married and divorced. We didn’t expect the Church to change their policy just for us, but we knew we belonged together. The minister who officiated at our wedding under the oaks at Gascoigne Bluff, knew it too, and gave us his blessing. He prayed that God would bless our union and guide us in our life together.

There were no legal roadblocks to maneuver, no protests from religious groups, no political objections,just a group of family and friends who wished us well. Not one single person pointed out Bible verses or  told us we were sinners, even though it’s right there for all to see.

Matthew 5:32 
But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery. (NIV)

Nobody objects when other couples like us, who are clearly not in compliance with scripture, are open about our ex spouses. Nobody wants to pass laws to prevent what we did or stop us from adopting kids. It doesn’t surprise anyone that we are good people, living a simple life in a neat home full of books,including Bibles and prayer books. We’re accepted.

My point is, if you have a problem with a loving gay couple standing before God, family and friends,

and vowing to love, honor and cherish each other, and be legally recognized as married, think about why. If scripture is used to justify that stand, we have to consider all the Biblical teachings about marriage. Be prepared to be very confused if you start researching the traditions of marriage. I won’t try to list them. You can easily find them throughout the Bible if you’re interested in what it really says. For me, the bottom
 line is; I’m an imperfect human being doing the best I can to live according to another verse that matters a lot to me:

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”  
These are the words of Jesus, and I prefer Him to any politician, talk show host, or religious leader. 

As a priest, serving God to the best of my ability with all my human frailties, I’m blessed with bishops who embody that proverbial three legged stool of the Christian life, Faith, Intelligence, and Love. I value their guidance, wisdom, knowledge, and their willingness to discuss the hard topics and seek a clearer understanding of God’s will in a complex world. It’s an ongoing dialog, but inclusiveness and love are always at the forefront of discussions. I have many friends who disagree with me, but that’s
 not a bad thing. Our ability to maintain civil debate is essential to our continued enlightenment.

It is my desire that we can learn from, and support each other. Many blessings to all who desire a more loving and supportive interaction among our diverse communities.