Letter to the Editor: Rights and religion can coexist

Letter to the Editor
April 15, 2004, Page 4

Dear Editor:
I find myself unable to conserve my opinions involving the recent rash of traditionalist appeals and satirical responses involving sexuality.
I am a Christian, and feel unrepresented by the authors of this newspaper. As a Christian, I believe that the foundations set by Christ are example for all truths.
A major basis for Christianity is that “There is neither Jew nor Greek, neither bond nor free, neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28.
The Old Testament Laws showing homosexuality as sin can not be used to prove or disapprove homosexuality today because Christ fulfilled those laws, reforming them, Galatians 5:14, 18.
The rules apply equally to those of heterosexual and homosexual orientation. We get our identity in Christ, not in our sexual orientation or anything else. In Christ there is neither male nor female…homosexual nor heterosexual. God looks only at the heart!
Ready for the kicker?
Although I am forgiven for my sins, God is worthy of my best efforts and the Church is our model of righteous living, and therefore has no right to condone homosexuality or any other selfish act.
Just because we are forgiven does not mean that we should condone the behaviors which set us apart from God. The Church, however, also must recognize that a homosexual is no guiltier of sin than is the minister or congregation and therefore can not be condemned.
So what does this say of the legality of homosexuality?
It means the Church must accept gays as it accepts all people, but it cannot marry them.
Does this mean that gays should not have the right to union?
Absolutely not!
America was founded on the principle that all humans should have the right to pursue happiness equally under God.
If I have the right to watch TV all day while people are starving elsewhere, then the rights of all people seeking selfish fulfillment should also be protected under the constitution.
So, the Church cannot marry gays but the State can, keeping separate the two identities so that both freedom and righteousness are protected.

Jeff Daniels