轉太平洋法律協會5/14/2013來信:
親愛的捍衛自由之友，
我希望藉此信呼籲各位利用只剩數天的時間採取行動，對抗一項衝擊我們孩子的聯邦政策。
美國聯邦通信委員會（FCC）正在權衡是否應打開閘門，容許以往禁止的不雅節目或電視片段於網絡電視播放。 該提案要求FCC忽略所謂「一閃而過」的裸體和褻瀆言語，播放於如ABC，NBC，CBS和Fox的無線電視台，播放時間竟包括在有小孩與家庭觀看的黃金時候。
大家可以預料到，電視台必盡量推向極限，抹殺那所剩無幾，給家庭觀眾一起分享的電視節目的“安全空間”。
不過, 好消息是，我們有機會以行動推翻提議。 直至5月20日，FCC將聽取有關新政策的公眾意見。您只需到FCC網站 ，於13-86號之下填表，表示反對。您不必熟讀法律或有長篇大論的發表， 只需一兩句從心發出的說話便可發出您消費者的影響力！我們需要成千上萬的家長發言，對抗那些不會為兒童利益著想的電視台高層。
我只花了幾分鐘的時間告訴了FCC我對這個建議的看法。 身為一個小學生的父母， 這是我至少可以做到的，來抵擋那邪惡，並威脅壓倒我們的潮流。您願意跟我一起這樣做嗎？無論你是父母，祖父母，或任何的身份， 孩子們的純真是值得保護的。......這是一個難得採取行動的機會！
謝謝您願意與我和太平洋法律協會站在同一的陣線。 您與我們的夥伴關係和您的參與, 是我們成功的關鍵。
為主奔跑，
戴吉斯律師 敬上
太平洋法律協會會長
Brad Dacus, Esq.
President, Pacific Justice Institute
注意：請點擊http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/upload/display?z=tzp4h ，直接到13-86號的表格。
轉太平洋協會5/3/2013來信:
「捍衛信仰自由的戰爭儘管受到重大挫折..... 」但是，戰爭還未結束。親愛的朋友，
2012 年，州長傑瑞 · 布朗 （Jerry Brown）簽署一項稱為SB 1172的荒堂法案，將對患有同性戀傾向的兒童的輔導視為違法。這是迄今為止我們所見過最嚴重地違反憲法規定自由的一項法案。
但因著您們的支援，我們得以從該法案第一次被引入參議院便作抗爭的工作。請按此處，捐助支持這場戰鬥。
讓我們分享堅持對抗該法案的原因：
- SB
1172阻止父母帶他們的孩子到任何涉及更正性取向的專業輔導，被剝奪作家長的權利。
若父母一方試圖違反法律，兒童有可能被政府帶走，放到州立之寄養制度。 雖然現在不是在條例草案中， 不過，
這情景是不難想像到的。
- SB
1172 防止那些對性別問題存有混亂、 懷疑或恐懼的孩子獲取幫助。基督徒的孩子不會獲得所需要的指引，並被誤導，以為活出其信仰是錯的。
- SB
1172 剝奪基督徒治療師的信仰權利。這是有史以來，
心裡治療師，包括持有心理治療師牌的牧師的言語自由首次被限
這項法案抹黑了獲得治療的人。成千上萬的人曾因這將列為“非法”的治療，而得以脫離同性戀傾向，重獲自由及能力活出神的話語，
但這項法案中傷他們的見證。
不過，因著您們的祈禱和財政支援...... 我們在法庭中贏得一場重要戰役，阻止這個瘋狂的法案 ！
這法案令我憤慨， 促使我立刻到法院提訴訟。
在關鍵的 38 頁裁決中，美國地方法院法官威廉 ·舒保(William Shubb)支持太平洋法律協會，並給予初步禁令，阻止加州SB 1172的前進。
我們原告包括領有執照的心理醫生，他不單是私人執業的心理醫生，也是率領其教會心理諮詢部的教會牧師、一名認證的精神病科醫生、一位修讀心理治療的勇敢年輕人，親身見證如何透過治療如何改變性取向。
舒保法官在他的裁決如此寫到：
「因為SB 1172法案必須接受嚴格的審查, 法院認為法案極有可能不能通過其議法律標準的核查， 並且，基於原告所聲稱，SB 1172法案侵犯了第一修正案的言論自由的權利，因此，原告訴訟成功的可能性甚高。」
這場勝利明確地向那些以為可以輕易扼殺宗教自由、 言論自由和父母的權利的人發出警告。
不過，這場戰爭還沒結束！
強大的 LGBT (女同性戀者、 同性戀者、 雙性戀、變性人)游說組織和支援他們的激進主義份子已宣佈，有意圖將在其餘49個州推出類似的政法。
他們有堅決、 有組織、並有資金去達到其目的。 但我們也會堅決與他們鬥爭到底， 無論是到第九巡迴法院，甚至到美國最高法院， 我們已有準備。
這將是一項長期持久的鬥爭， 我們若不成功， 對後代所造成的影響將不堪設想。我們將繼續盡力阻止這項殺戮自由的法案。 既然現在已將近打敗對手， 我們需要您的幫助完成這項工作。
您的捐獻將助我們一力， 阻止有史以來對宗教、父母權利最嚴重的攻擊. 我們必須停止立那些利用政治平臺權力鼓吹LGBT議程的立法局議員，他們企圖限制信仰人士的自由，更阻擋無數年輕人得到關鍵的輔導。
您的貢獻將在各方面幫助我們，打擊敵對宗教自由和憲法權利的攻擊。這項法律必須被制止。
自1997年成立以來, 太平洋法律協會在捍衛信仰與家庭取得的成功是一直以來都是有目共睹。事實上， 我們是唯一支援家庭的組織，從一開始便與SB 1172法案鬥戰。 請考慮進一步幫助我們完成使命。
按此處作您的捐獻。您的捐助將會幫助我們阻止SB 1172法案。
看到最近對SB 1172法案的禁令，我感到非常欣慰。這是一次重大勝利。但 LGBT的游說組織和支援他們的激進主義份子不會就此罷休的。
他們具有身家雄厚的三藩市激進主義份子和荷里活富豪的支持，向美國每個州推行如SB 1172的法案。
因此， 我們需要您的幫助 。您慷慨貢獻的$25......$ 50、$ 100......$ 500 或也許 ＄1000 美元或更多， 將幫助我們為下一波的法律挑戰做準備。當然，任何捐獻的數目都是一個祝福。
您甚至可以全年定期每月支援太平洋法律協會。
請謹記這是一項可扣稅的捐贈。
捐贈手續，請瀏覽我們的網站： www.ProtectParentalRights.com 透過網站可以列印捐贈表，查詢更多有關這危險的條例草案和其影響深遠的後果。
我們的文化和家庭價值正受到各方面的攻擊。SB 1172 是一項令人憤慨的法案。這項新法案旨在打壓言論自由，侵犯隱私，並剥削父母的權利。本條例草案所涉的問題令人毛骨悚然。
感謝您的支援，您的捐款將在這一代及往後的每一代巨影響深遠。
為主奔跑，
戴吉斯律師 敬上
太平洋法律協會會長
2013年5月2日
附記： 還有一件事...SB 1172法案
聲稱鼓勵青年人改變或自我控制同性戀的傾向是有害的。在其中一個聽證會中，修復療法被指責為"殺害我們的孩子"。換句話說，SB 1172
法案的支援者認為，給予希望和改變的人都是罪犯。 謝謝您在這場戰爭的同工。
太平洋法律協會乃屬501(c)(3) 非營利組織。所有給予太平洋法律協會（位於P.O.
Box 276600 Sacramento CA 95827-6600）以電子交易的捐獻都合附美國法例的規定。稅 ID #
91-1823641
王永信牧師4月5日來信
自：王永信 info@gcciusa.org
日 : 2013年4月5日
URGENT
各位主內親愛同工平安，
感謝主的大恩典，三月26日在華府的婚姻遊行，神感動了一千多位華人同工同道從遠近多處前往參加，會後大家深得鼓勵，謹節錄數位的來信，與大家分享，並讚美 主恩。
“過去華人教會對重大社會議題‘沉默不語，後知後覺’，但此次紐約華人教會改弦易轍，以行動表達反對同性婚姻立場。3月26日紐約華人教會出動七輛大巴車，滿載350多位…雖然天氣寒冷，但與會者氣勢高昂。” ——蕭慕道牧師，紐約
“近年來美國推動同性婚姻運動愈演愈烈，造成婚姻倫理極大的混亂…華人教會為要以行動表達反對同性婚姻立場…發起參與在華府的「為婚姻而行」的活動…現已有近 四百人報名參加，數目還在增長中." ——丘放河牧師，紐約
“我們是世上的光…如果我們每一個基督徒都這樣的盡心盡力捍衛真理，我們的教會就會復興，這個世代就不致於敗壞到如此地步了！行動與不行動是大不一樣的。” ——王峙軍牧師，芝加哥
“我們前些天參加了華府「維護傳統婚姻」遊行，多數媒體一如往常，在報導中有明顯的偏頗。他們幾乎不提當天有維護傳統婚姻的遊行及遊行的人數，卻大肆採訪 及報導支持同性婚姻一方的活動。” ——Esther Wang,芝加哥
大家對於最高法院即將於六月宣判「加州第八號提案」及婚姻法案DOMA是否違憲一
事極為關心，所以呼籲全美各華人教會，機構及神學院在四、五月中迫切禱告，向 神呼求：
一、每一教會、機構及神學院於四、五月中，各自舉行禱告會（日子、方式、內容 自定）。
二、盼在美國東、西、南、北四方面於四、五月間舉行一次或數次（可在不同地 區）聯合禱告會。（例：美國西岸自西雅圖至聖地亞哥，地區遼遠，為方便大家參加，故定於西雅圖，三藩市灣區及洛杉磯至少三處舉行聯合禱告會。）
三、為促進華人教會對同性婚姻之深度認識及聖經教訓，大家建議各區在聯合禱告會之會前，會後，或另外時間，舉行座談會，並建議主題為：“面對同性婚姻挑戰 －－教會何去何從？”（香港目前已有神學院及教會決定以此題目舉行講座。）
在目前看，六月的宣判有相當的危險性！最高法院的九位大法官，其中四位是自由派，四位是保守派，可謂勢均力敵。第九位大法官Kennedy是中間派，乃是重要的 「游離票」（Swing Vote），可以一票定天下。但是此君最近的言語表態似乎有偏向同性婚姻的趨勢，雖然尚未十分明確，但有些觀察者已經有此豫感與擔心。所以今日教會的同工及領袖們不能不用神所給我們的智慧，「未雨綢繆」，作出事先 防範的工作，以免屆時教會及羊群受虧損。
根據灣區傳統家庭促進會總幹事譚克成博士的觀察，最高法院六月的宣判，確有可 能倒向同性婚姻的一邊。那時，我們將要活在一套新的法令之下，保守派信仰的教會將首當其衝的受到壓力與逼迫。譚博士數年前有份於推動加州八號提案之通過， 並曾與對方之律師對簿公堂，短兵相接，在這方面有豐富經驗。
他認為，假若不幸高院真的倒向對方，則同性戀的人很快就可能開始找教會的麻 煩，使教會不勝困擾。例如，兩個同性的人會來敲教會的門，請牧師為他們證婚， 並借用教堂舉行婚禮。假如教會拒絕，他們可以控告教會「歧視」甚至「仇視」 （Hate Crime），教會領袖及牧師傳道人可能被罰款甚至坐牢（正如今天西歐及北 歐的情形）。
以上只不過是多種可能的迫害中之一項而已。
譚克成博士提醒各教會的同工同道們，當同性婚姻合法後，教會可能面對以下各項
難題：
1、同性戀者來教會要求：
a. 借用禮堂結婚；
b. 請牧師為他們證婚。
2、教會裡某位會友突然宣佈他/她是同性戀者，願意繼續為會友但不願改變同性戀行為。
3、教會某位領袖或同工突然宣佈他/她是同性戀者，不願離開教會職位，但也不願 改變同性戀行為。
為應對以上可能情況（及其他類似情況），教會必須事先在憲章上寫明條文，例如：關於信仰，租借教堂，同工職守，和會友的行為處分等，作出明確的規定與解釋。否則屆時若被控訴，法庭可能對教會作出不利的判決。
奉勸教會牧師和領袖們現在就要商討應對方法。若能邀請律師或熟悉法律的人參加 討論則更佳。
願我們不忘記主耶穌的話：“我差你們去，如同羊進入狼群，所以你們要靈巧像蛇，馴良鴿子。”——太10：16
願我們大家憑著神所賜的智慧與勇氣，走前面當走的路。阿門！
日 : 2013年4月5日
URGENT
各位主內親愛同工平安，
感謝主的大恩典，三月26日在華府的婚姻遊行，神感動了一千多位華人同工同道從遠近多處前往參加，會後大家深得鼓勵，謹節錄數位的來信，與大家分享，並讚美 主恩。
“過去華人教會對重大社會議題‘沉默不語，後知後覺’，但此次紐約華人教會改弦易轍，以行動表達反對同性婚姻立場。3月26日紐約華人教會出動七輛大巴車，滿載350多位…雖然天氣寒冷，但與會者氣勢高昂。” ——蕭慕道牧師，紐約
“近年來美國推動同性婚姻運動愈演愈烈，造成婚姻倫理極大的混亂…華人教會為要以行動表達反對同性婚姻立場…發起參與在華府的「為婚姻而行」的活動…現已有近 四百人報名參加，數目還在增長中." ——丘放河牧師，紐約
“我們是世上的光…如果我們每一個基督徒都這樣的盡心盡力捍衛真理，我們的教會就會復興，這個世代就不致於敗壞到如此地步了！行動與不行動是大不一樣的。” ——王峙軍牧師，芝加哥
“我們前些天參加了華府「維護傳統婚姻」遊行，多數媒體一如往常，在報導中有明顯的偏頗。他們幾乎不提當天有維護傳統婚姻的遊行及遊行的人數，卻大肆採訪 及報導支持同性婚姻一方的活動。” ——Esther Wang,芝加哥
大家對於最高法院即將於六月宣判「加州第八號提案」及婚姻法案DOMA是否違憲一
事極為關心，所以呼籲全美各華人教會，機構及神學院在四、五月中迫切禱告，向 神呼求：
一、每一教會、機構及神學院於四、五月中，各自舉行禱告會（日子、方式、內容 自定）。
二、盼在美國東、西、南、北四方面於四、五月間舉行一次或數次（可在不同地 區）聯合禱告會。（例：美國西岸自西雅圖至聖地亞哥，地區遼遠，為方便大家參加，故定於西雅圖，三藩市灣區及洛杉磯至少三處舉行聯合禱告會。）
三、為促進華人教會對同性婚姻之深度認識及聖經教訓，大家建議各區在聯合禱告會之會前，會後，或另外時間，舉行座談會，並建議主題為：“面對同性婚姻挑戰 －－教會何去何從？”（香港目前已有神學院及教會決定以此題目舉行講座。）
在目前看，六月的宣判有相當的危險性！最高法院的九位大法官，其中四位是自由派，四位是保守派，可謂勢均力敵。第九位大法官Kennedy是中間派，乃是重要的 「游離票」（Swing Vote），可以一票定天下。但是此君最近的言語表態似乎有偏向同性婚姻的趨勢，雖然尚未十分明確，但有些觀察者已經有此豫感與擔心。所以今日教會的同工及領袖們不能不用神所給我們的智慧，「未雨綢繆」，作出事先 防範的工作，以免屆時教會及羊群受虧損。
根據灣區傳統家庭促進會總幹事譚克成博士的觀察，最高法院六月的宣判，確有可 能倒向同性婚姻的一邊。那時，我們將要活在一套新的法令之下，保守派信仰的教會將首當其衝的受到壓力與逼迫。譚博士數年前有份於推動加州八號提案之通過， 並曾與對方之律師對簿公堂，短兵相接，在這方面有豐富經驗。
他認為，假若不幸高院真的倒向對方，則同性戀的人很快就可能開始找教會的麻 煩，使教會不勝困擾。例如，兩個同性的人會來敲教會的門，請牧師為他們證婚， 並借用教堂舉行婚禮。假如教會拒絕，他們可以控告教會「歧視」甚至「仇視」 （Hate Crime），教會領袖及牧師傳道人可能被罰款甚至坐牢（正如今天西歐及北 歐的情形）。
以上只不過是多種可能的迫害中之一項而已。
譚克成博士提醒各教會的同工同道們，當同性婚姻合法後，教會可能面對以下各項
難題：
1、同性戀者來教會要求：
a. 借用禮堂結婚；
b. 請牧師為他們證婚。
2、教會裡某位會友突然宣佈他/她是同性戀者，願意繼續為會友但不願改變同性戀行為。
3、教會某位領袖或同工突然宣佈他/她是同性戀者，不願離開教會職位，但也不願 改變同性戀行為。
為應對以上可能情況（及其他類似情況），教會必須事先在憲章上寫明條文，例如：關於信仰，租借教堂，同工職守，和會友的行為處分等，作出明確的規定與解釋。否則屆時若被控訴，法庭可能對教會作出不利的判決。
奉勸教會牧師和領袖們現在就要商討應對方法。若能邀請律師或熟悉法律的人參加 討論則更佳。
願我們不忘記主耶穌的話：“我差你們去，如同羊進入狼群，所以你們要靈巧像蛇，馴良鴿子。”——太10：16
願我們大家憑著神所賜的智慧與勇氣，走前面當走的路。阿門！
譚克成博士3月27日對最高法院審理婚姻法報導
Dear pastors and church leaders,
As I watch anxiously the news coming out yesterday about the Supreme Court Justices
comments, I see worse than expected result from the hearing. Their comments from today's DOMA hearing is not promising either. Please continue to pray hard for the justices that they won't yield to the liberal political and media pressure.
Below is my response to a Sing Tao News interview. Parents: as the news are covering this court case, teach your children about the importance of the traditional marriage. Be a good example to them as their parents.
God bless,
Bill
譚克成擔憂合法化會令人去「嘗試 同性婚姻或對家庭影響深遠
( 本報記者胡健宏三藩市報道 )
位於三藩市灣區的傳統家庭促進會一直以來大力反對同性婚姻合法化，會長譚克成更曾經在法庭上作證。對於美國最高法院正式開庭審議禁止同性婚姻合法化的加州8號提案，譚克成暫時不願評論審訊的形勢。不過他不同意其中一位法官所稱「同性婚姻合法化對其他人不會帶來影響」的說法。
譚克成特別指出他不同意其中一名法官的看法，該法官認為同性婚姻合法化不會影響到其他人。事實上他個人認為，這種做法會對家長和小朋友帶來 深遠的影響，因為學校會教導小朋友結婚的對象可以是異性或者同性。他說：「這樣就開了很多門。這些門一開，什麼都可能發生。這是關乎下一代教育的問題。」
譚克成舉例有研究發現，荷蘭自同性婚姻合法化之後，嘗試同性戀的人增加了許多，如果法律允許的話，許多人就會去嘗試一下。因此他認為該法律看似公平，實際上對其他傳統家庭帶來很大的影響。他提醒華人家長，如果同性婚姻在加州合法化的話，未來的局面不知會發展到如何，作為家長需要小心，好好教育自己的子女。
對於法官們正在爭辯支持8號提案一方是否可以自聘律師代表加州，譚克成表示對此感到相當奇怪，因為在接納該案之前法官們應該已經考慮到這一點。他表示，如果法官認為8號提案不應由團體自聘律師辯護的話，即意味著該案無法再打下去，將會自動接納聯邦第9巡迴法庭的判決，即認定8號提案違憲。
最高法院另一個令人矚目的爭辯點，在於該案判決是否全國通用。譚克成表示不同的媒體對此有不同的看法，有媒體分析認為可能最高法院不想將影響範圍擴大，亦有傳媒認為由此反映最高法院未必想全盤審議該案。
As I watch anxiously the news coming out yesterday about the Supreme Court Justices
comments, I see worse than expected result from the hearing. Their comments from today's DOMA hearing is not promising either. Please continue to pray hard for the justices that they won't yield to the liberal political and media pressure.
Below is my response to a Sing Tao News interview. Parents: as the news are covering this court case, teach your children about the importance of the traditional marriage. Be a good example to them as their parents.
God bless,
Bill
譚克成擔憂合法化會令人去「嘗試 同性婚姻或對家庭影響深遠
( 本報記者胡健宏三藩市報道 )
位於三藩市灣區的傳統家庭促進會一直以來大力反對同性婚姻合法化，會長譚克成更曾經在法庭上作證。對於美國最高法院正式開庭審議禁止同性婚姻合法化的加州8號提案，譚克成暫時不願評論審訊的形勢。不過他不同意其中一位法官所稱「同性婚姻合法化對其他人不會帶來影響」的說法。
譚克成特別指出他不同意其中一名法官的看法，該法官認為同性婚姻合法化不會影響到其他人。事實上他個人認為，這種做法會對家長和小朋友帶來 深遠的影響，因為學校會教導小朋友結婚的對象可以是異性或者同性。他說：「這樣就開了很多門。這些門一開，什麼都可能發生。這是關乎下一代教育的問題。」
譚克成舉例有研究發現，荷蘭自同性婚姻合法化之後，嘗試同性戀的人增加了許多，如果法律允許的話，許多人就會去嘗試一下。因此他認為該法律看似公平，實際上對其他傳統家庭帶來很大的影響。他提醒華人家長，如果同性婚姻在加州合法化的話，未來的局面不知會發展到如何，作為家長需要小心，好好教育自己的子女。
對於法官們正在爭辯支持8號提案一方是否可以自聘律師代表加州，譚克成表示對此感到相當奇怪，因為在接納該案之前法官們應該已經考慮到這一點。他表示，如果法官認為8號提案不應由團體自聘律師辯護的話，即意味著該案無法再打下去，將會自動接納聯邦第9巡迴法庭的判決，即認定8號提案違憲。
最高法院另一個令人矚目的爭辯點，在於該案判決是否全國通用。譚克成表示不同的媒體對此有不同的看法，有媒體分析認為可能最高法院不想將影響範圍擴大，亦有傳媒認為由此反映最高法院未必想全盤審議該案。
( Manhattan Declaration )
Not to act is to act
We write to you not as a Republican and a Democrat, which we are, but as men of faith who take seriously the teaching of Scripture – as do you. German Lutheran pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously said, “Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.” In that spirit, we implore you, with an urgency that the situation demands, to boldly lend your voice to the public square on this defining issue – for such a time as this.
So concludes a recent letter authored by Congressman Frank Wolf of Virginia (Republican) and former Ambassador Tony P. Hall (Democrat), sent to many of the country’s most influential pastors. The two share the conviction that the voices of America’s church leaders must be heard as the nation continues to debate the meaning of marriage. While expressing appreciation for those who have already engaged, Hall and Wolf note that too many have chosen to remain silent.
In a famous examination of early American culture, Alexis de Tocqueville made note of the influential role of religion. He wrote, “Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the greatness and genius of America. America is good. And if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”
Do these words reflect the role of your church in your local community? If not, consider sharing a copy of Wolf and Hall’s letter with your pastor. Ask the leaders of your church whether they plan to leverage their influence for the good of the nation.
Feel free to copy and paste the full letter below and add your name to those of the Congressman and the Ambassador before sending to your church leadership. Pester your pastor (lovingly, of course). If they are willing to take the next step, point them to the Manhattan Declaration. In the coming weeks, we will unveil a number of resources for action at the local and national level.
Another opportunity to let your voice be heard for the cause of religious liberty is this week’s Stand Up for Religious Freedom event. The website has all the information you need to participate in one of the 150 rallies taking place around the country on Friday, June 8.
Finally, the best from the blogs and latest news:
Just how wrong are America’s young evangelical leaders?
Denny Burk posterizes the notion of “post-partisanship.”
The Church and Homosexuality: Ten Commandments
No. 1: Teach the full counsel of scripture, even the hard parts
How gay is America?
Many assume as high as a quarter of the population is gay, though the reality is that it’s probably closer to two percent.
Canucks for Religious Liberty
Common sense north of the border.
Abortion rights trump even women's rights
Made in China?
Sincerely,
Eric Teetsel
Executive Director
*****
(Begin letter copy here)
June 4, 2012
Addressee
Sample Title Line
Sample Organization Line 1
Sample Organization Line 2
Sample Address Line 1
Sample Address Line 2
Sample City DC 12345
Dear (Insert Name):
"The Bible is clear - God's definition of marriage is between a man and a woman."
These simple, but provocative, words spoken by the Reverend Billy Graham, whom we have both long admired, were featured in an advertisement (enclosed) that ran in multiple newspapers in North Carolina leading up to that state's recent ballot initiative on marriage. The initiative, defining marriage as between one man and one woman, passed overwhelmingly.
North Carolina joined 29 other states in making this determination. At the same time, national polling data indicates that many, especially the young, are increasingly open to the idea of same-sex marriage. This generation views the issue in terms of civil rights - understandably an American virtue. Reframing the debate in this way is a triumph for those who seek to redefine marriage. It follows that those who dare disagree and who align themselves with the historic Judeo-Christian understanding of a God-ordained union are often characterized as intolerant, bigots or worse.
It is clear that our culture has begun a profound shift. Can you sense it? For millennia, marriage has not been tampered with, and yet, in a matter of decades a relatively small segment of our society has succeeded in calling into question this institution with a swiftness that would be almost inconceivable were it not reality. The fact that ballot initiatives, such as the one in North Carolina, are even necessary speaks to the underlying crisis.
In the last month alone, both the president and vice president of the United States stated their unequivocal support for same-sex marriage. Washington Post columnist Michael Gerson described the president's "evolution" on this issue writing, "He justified his recent switch on gay marriage, in part, as the direct application of Christian teaching. 'When we think about our faith,' [Obama] said, 'the thing at root that we think about is, not only Christ sacrificing himself on our behalf, but it's also the Golden Rule, you know, treat others the way you would want to be treated.' In 2008, he justified his support for civil unions by saying: 'If people find that controversial, then I would just refer them to the Sermon on the Mount, which I think is, in my mind, for my faith, more central than an obscure passage in Romans.'" Given that the president cited Jesus, it should also be noted that in the Gospel of Matthew (19:4-6), Jesus says, "Haven't you read...that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together let man not separate."
Talking heads and strategists in Washington are busy analyzing what constituencies have been mobilized, energized, secured or alienated by the timing of the president's announcement. But the implications of this shift are more far-reaching than November's electoral outcome. We believe that the president's position, which he sought to justify by citing Scripture, necessitates a response. Not only a political response - but a reasoned, winsome, faithful interpretation of what Scripture actually has to say about God's intent for the sacred institution of marriage. As is befitting those who identify themselves as followers of Jesus, this apologetic for marriage must be seasoned with grace, kindness and love while also being grounded in truth.
The nation needs to hear from its church leaders on this issue. Some segments of the church are already engaged and, if that describes you, we express our profound gratitude. Others, however, are noticeably silent, which begs the question: where are the Christian apologists who will sound the clarion call for Biblical orthodoxy on the institution of marriage? Where are the William Wilberforce's and the Mother Theresa's and the C. S. Lewis' for our day? Who will stand in the gap?
The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, "Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call. who will get ready for battle?" We fear that the trumpet's call is muffled - that there is uncertainty and confusion among people of faith in part because many of our religious leaders have not yet stepped into the void.
We are asking you, as a follower of Jesus and a leader in His church, to leverage your influence. Consider the teachers in your congregation and the students they shape on a daily basis, or business people wielding their influence in the marketplace, or film students seeking to address the culture. This is where the battle will be won or lost. Are you equipping them? Are you encouraging them to use their own cultural platform and voice?
On this issue, as on so many others, the discussion among government leaders and opinion makers is simply a downstream manifestation of what is already happening in the broader culture, which is why your leadership is so important.
We write to you not as a Republican and a Democrat, which we are, but as men of faith who take seriously the teaching of Scripture - as do you. German Lutheran pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously said, "Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act." In that spirit, we implore you, with an urgency that the situation demands, to boldly lend your voice to the public square on this defining issue - for such a time as this.
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
Frank R. Wolf
U.S. Congressman
Tony P. Hall
U.S. Ambassador
U.S. Congressman (Ret.)
*****
The Manhattan Declaration is a non-partisan statement of conscience in defense of human life, traditional marriage and religious freedom.
http://www.manhattandeclaration.org
Not to act is to act
We write to you not as a Republican and a Democrat, which we are, but as men of faith who take seriously the teaching of Scripture – as do you. German Lutheran pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously said, “Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.” In that spirit, we implore you, with an urgency that the situation demands, to boldly lend your voice to the public square on this defining issue – for such a time as this.
So concludes a recent letter authored by Congressman Frank Wolf of Virginia (Republican) and former Ambassador Tony P. Hall (Democrat), sent to many of the country’s most influential pastors. The two share the conviction that the voices of America’s church leaders must be heard as the nation continues to debate the meaning of marriage. While expressing appreciation for those who have already engaged, Hall and Wolf note that too many have chosen to remain silent.
In a famous examination of early American culture, Alexis de Tocqueville made note of the influential role of religion. He wrote, “Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the greatness and genius of America. America is good. And if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”
Do these words reflect the role of your church in your local community? If not, consider sharing a copy of Wolf and Hall’s letter with your pastor. Ask the leaders of your church whether they plan to leverage their influence for the good of the nation.
Feel free to copy and paste the full letter below and add your name to those of the Congressman and the Ambassador before sending to your church leadership. Pester your pastor (lovingly, of course). If they are willing to take the next step, point them to the Manhattan Declaration. In the coming weeks, we will unveil a number of resources for action at the local and national level.
Another opportunity to let your voice be heard for the cause of religious liberty is this week’s Stand Up for Religious Freedom event. The website has all the information you need to participate in one of the 150 rallies taking place around the country on Friday, June 8.
Finally, the best from the blogs and latest news:
Just how wrong are America’s young evangelical leaders?
Denny Burk posterizes the notion of “post-partisanship.”
The Church and Homosexuality: Ten Commandments
No. 1: Teach the full counsel of scripture, even the hard parts
How gay is America?
Many assume as high as a quarter of the population is gay, though the reality is that it’s probably closer to two percent.
Canucks for Religious Liberty
Common sense north of the border.
Abortion rights trump even women's rights
Made in China?
Sincerely,
Eric Teetsel
Executive Director
*****
(Begin letter copy here)
June 4, 2012
Addressee
Sample Title Line
Sample Organization Line 1
Sample Organization Line 2
Sample Address Line 1
Sample Address Line 2
Sample City DC 12345
Dear (Insert Name):
"The Bible is clear - God's definition of marriage is between a man and a woman."
These simple, but provocative, words spoken by the Reverend Billy Graham, whom we have both long admired, were featured in an advertisement (enclosed) that ran in multiple newspapers in North Carolina leading up to that state's recent ballot initiative on marriage. The initiative, defining marriage as between one man and one woman, passed overwhelmingly.
North Carolina joined 29 other states in making this determination. At the same time, national polling data indicates that many, especially the young, are increasingly open to the idea of same-sex marriage. This generation views the issue in terms of civil rights - understandably an American virtue. Reframing the debate in this way is a triumph for those who seek to redefine marriage. It follows that those who dare disagree and who align themselves with the historic Judeo-Christian understanding of a God-ordained union are often characterized as intolerant, bigots or worse.
It is clear that our culture has begun a profound shift. Can you sense it? For millennia, marriage has not been tampered with, and yet, in a matter of decades a relatively small segment of our society has succeeded in calling into question this institution with a swiftness that would be almost inconceivable were it not reality. The fact that ballot initiatives, such as the one in North Carolina, are even necessary speaks to the underlying crisis.
In the last month alone, both the president and vice president of the United States stated their unequivocal support for same-sex marriage. Washington Post columnist Michael Gerson described the president's "evolution" on this issue writing, "He justified his recent switch on gay marriage, in part, as the direct application of Christian teaching. 'When we think about our faith,' [Obama] said, 'the thing at root that we think about is, not only Christ sacrificing himself on our behalf, but it's also the Golden Rule, you know, treat others the way you would want to be treated.' In 2008, he justified his support for civil unions by saying: 'If people find that controversial, then I would just refer them to the Sermon on the Mount, which I think is, in my mind, for my faith, more central than an obscure passage in Romans.'" Given that the president cited Jesus, it should also be noted that in the Gospel of Matthew (19:4-6), Jesus says, "Haven't you read...that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together let man not separate."
Talking heads and strategists in Washington are busy analyzing what constituencies have been mobilized, energized, secured or alienated by the timing of the president's announcement. But the implications of this shift are more far-reaching than November's electoral outcome. We believe that the president's position, which he sought to justify by citing Scripture, necessitates a response. Not only a political response - but a reasoned, winsome, faithful interpretation of what Scripture actually has to say about God's intent for the sacred institution of marriage. As is befitting those who identify themselves as followers of Jesus, this apologetic for marriage must be seasoned with grace, kindness and love while also being grounded in truth.
The nation needs to hear from its church leaders on this issue. Some segments of the church are already engaged and, if that describes you, we express our profound gratitude. Others, however, are noticeably silent, which begs the question: where are the Christian apologists who will sound the clarion call for Biblical orthodoxy on the institution of marriage? Where are the William Wilberforce's and the Mother Theresa's and the C. S. Lewis' for our day? Who will stand in the gap?
The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, "Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call. who will get ready for battle?" We fear that the trumpet's call is muffled - that there is uncertainty and confusion among people of faith in part because many of our religious leaders have not yet stepped into the void.
We are asking you, as a follower of Jesus and a leader in His church, to leverage your influence. Consider the teachers in your congregation and the students they shape on a daily basis, or business people wielding their influence in the marketplace, or film students seeking to address the culture. This is where the battle will be won or lost. Are you equipping them? Are you encouraging them to use their own cultural platform and voice?
On this issue, as on so many others, the discussion among government leaders and opinion makers is simply a downstream manifestation of what is already happening in the broader culture, which is why your leadership is so important.
We write to you not as a Republican and a Democrat, which we are, but as men of faith who take seriously the teaching of Scripture - as do you. German Lutheran pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously said, "Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act." In that spirit, we implore you, with an urgency that the situation demands, to boldly lend your voice to the public square on this defining issue - for such a time as this.
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
Frank R. Wolf
U.S. Congressman
Tony P. Hall
U.S. Ambassador
U.S. Congressman (Ret.)
*****
The Manhattan Declaration is a non-partisan statement of conscience in defense of human life, traditional marriage and religious freedom.
http://www.manhattandeclaration.org