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Welton Gaddy, president of the Interfaith Alliance and On Faith panelist, is calling for a new national discussion on marriage based on the premise that "Law, not scripture, is the foundation of government regulations related to marriage in our nation." He notes that in its recent affirmation of same-gender marriage, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled: "Civil marriage must be judged under our constitutional standards of equal protection and not under religious doctrines or the religious views of individuals."
What is marriage? Is it a sacred rite or a civil right? What role, if any, should religious institutions, traditions or beliefs have in the legal act of marriage?
Inclusive Governments, Individual Religions
Government should not discriminate in sanctifying marriages, including those between same-sex couples; religious denominations and faiths should be free to as they see fit in accordance with their faith.
Marriage: Both Civil and Religious
Because no one is forced to follow a particular faith, or to join a particular church, we should not require churches to sanction marriages which they believe go against their beliefs.
Time to Recognize Same-Gender Marriage
Our government's decision to recognize same-gender marriage would in no way inhibit any religions right to make up its own mind about celebrating such a marriage.
Marriage a Civil Right, not Sacred Rite
When people get serious about God and an honest relationship with this God we talk about, we might be able to have an honest discussion about marriage being a truly sacred experience.
Separate the Civil and the Sacred
I don't believe the state has any business telling us who we should love or how. As a Pagan, I see marriage as one option for nurturing relationships--but not the only option. And I don't want another religion's values to define it for me.
Marriage is a Religious Ritual
The concept of a civil marriage is a much later development, established for a secular government to mimic the religious rite while attempting to remove any religious trappings.
Big Brother, Get Out of My Marriage!
I did not take vows in a church or temple, and my vows were taken in the names of several Gods. Would my evangelical Christian friends consider that a legitimate marriage? Who really does have the right to define what is a "marriage" or a "civil union?"
Marriage a Privilege Open to All
The State should not tell religious institutions who they should welcome, but not to welcome all of God's people violates everything I know about God and I would have no desire to be part of a discriminating religious body.
Can Minorities Derail the Same-Sex Marriage Express?
Blacks and Latinos may end up as the proverbial firewall preventing the advancement of the gay and lesbian agenda.
Law (and Marriage) Has Sacred Origins
That marriage was instituted by God doesn't invalidate marriage; it enhances it.
A More Faithful Way to Talk About Marriage
If government officials and religious leaders distinguished the differences between legal marriage and religious marriage, they could greatly reduce the amount of conflict in public discussions on same-gender marriage.
"Marriage" in Society/Church/State
Dr. Welton Gaddy's invitation to dialog toward "common ground" is really a thorough bash-job against all opposition to defining "marriage" down to include same-sex unions.
My Wife and Her Husbands
My wife is married to another man in the eyes of the Catholic Church, even though she received a civil divorce over 25 years ago.
God Blesses Gay Marriage
Why should it be the marriages of gay Americans where we take God out of the contract? I think a related, and I hope complimentary struggle, is for the equality of soul of every human being.
edbyronadams: Everyone does have a right to a marriage contract. The fact that it is limited to one male and one female does not deny anyone the same righ...
sokumina: Civil Union sure. Asking God to bless a sin... no so much....
James210: Finding a common Spirit and Love with another, is a blessing from the Lord.
Ceremonies are an act of celebration, not blessing or approval....
