There always is an awkward tension any time church collides with a political issue. This is not new. It’s been that way ever since Jesus started His church. The early church collided with the Roman government from the beginning – so why would it be any different with us today?

The definition of marriage is on the ballot in our state of Washington this election year. It is called R-74. This bill allows same-sex couples to marry, applies marriage laws without regard to gender, and specifies that laws using gender-specific terms like husband and wife include same-sex spouses. It R-74 passes, after 2014, existing domestic partnerships will be converted to marriages.

I know there are both Democrats and Republicans who attend our church. I respect your right to vote for any candidate who you feel is consistent with the Christian values you hold. However, as a shepherd, I must encourage all believers to reject Referendum 74, regardless of your political party association.

All values stand upon something: tradition, feelings, cultural norms, etc. The values that we teach at SBC and I personally live by, are grounded and rooted in God’s Word. When it comes to the definition of marriage, this is not a political issue, a human rights issue, or a matter of tolerance. This is a moral issue – based upon God’s view of an institution He started.

Marriage as a union between one man and one woman is found in Genesis 2:24 and affirmed by Jesus in the Gospels. This is the foundation upon which marriage has stood since the beginning. Since Satan cannot create anything, his pattern from the beginning has been to take what God created and twist or distort it. Take sex for example. God created and designed it for the marriage covenant. It is beautiful, glorious, and fulfilling. Satan, however, has taken what is beautiful and has used it to abuse, enslave, and violate millions of people. Ever since the first marriage, Satan has hated this institution and has attacked it relentlessly.

Our legislature, however, has sought to impose a new definition of marriage because they know that no state has ever ushered in same-sex marriage with a popular vote. Let’s not become the first.  Here are several reasons why I’m asking you to reject R-74:

One – This vote is not about equality, but about redefining marriage. This is not a civil rights issue. It is a moral issue.

Two – Research after research has clearly shown that children do better when raised by a married mom and dad. It just works better across the board, whether it be lower poverty rates, mental health, or higher education achievement.

Three – If R-74 passes, it will become the only definition of marriage for everyone in our state. Every social agency will have to accept and uphold this as law. Christian charities will be forced to choose between their social mission or their religious beliefs. Although churches are exempt in this law from being required to accept and preform same-sex weddings, I believe it is only a matter of time when this exemption will be withdrawn.

I’m sure you have seen commercials or mailings in support of this referendum by professing Christians. In the spirit of non-judgmentalism and tolerance, they are encouraging us to support the redefinition of marriage. I understand that no one desires to be viewed at judgmental and intolerant. (Although the redefinition of these words is another post altogether.) However, when God’s view collides with man’s – choose God’s side every time!

Serving Him,

Pastor Barry