by Drew Parks
Some pastors in Lawrence do not support same-sex marriage and have concerns about the pro-gay marriage rallies in California that include people of different religious beliefs.
The oral arguments on the ban of same-sex marriage happened March 26 and 27, while pro-gay marriage rallies happened outside the courthouse and at a nearby church. People from the faith group United for Marriage held an early morning prayer and pro-gay marriage rally. Both religious and secular representatives led the rally, but the fact that some religious people support gay marriage concerns some local pastors.
Note: The “ban of same-sex marriage” link goes to the Supreme Court document on the argument of ban of same-sex marriage in California. There is a table of contents to show what pages to go to for different parts of the argument.
“Based on what I know from the Scriptures, that’s not to be done, the acceptance of it,” Pastor Joe Stiles of First Southern Baptist Church said.
With what is said in the Bible, some local pastors think that Christians should not believe gay marriage is right because it is not God’s definition of marriage.
Bill Vogler, the pastor of Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church, said what he believes is God’s definition of marriage based on the Bible, “He’s been very explicit in the context of marriage, saying ‘here’s the definition: one man, one woman united together for a life time. Everything else apart from that is sin.’”
Note: The link above is to a sermon Bill Vogler did about gay marriage.
The idea of churches and religious people accepting gay marriage and supporting it has spread to Lawrence churches.
“In our own community, there are notable congregations that would think that I’m being ridiculous by opposing same-sex marriage,” Pastor Jeff Barclay of Christ Community Church said.
Not only is there concern of religious people being in pro-gay marriage rallies and supporting gay marriage, but also concern that the Supreme Court will decide the fate of the ban in California because of the past vote to eliminate future same-sex marriages in 2008.
“I am really concerned that appointed judges, with no power by citizens, to recall them would actually be an override of a majority view of its citizens,” Barclay said.
Even though some local pastors are against same-sex marriage, that doesn’t mean that they won’t accept gay people into their church. Stiles said that he accepts gay people in his church, but not their lifestyle choice.
“If somebody wanted to come to our church, attend our worship services and bible studies, they would be well received, I believe. But as far as acceptance of that lifestyle… no, I would not approve of it,” Stiles said.
Stiles also used Jesus as an example to support his decision.
“Christ reached out to a variety of individuals of all different backgrounds and he loved the person; that didn’t necessarily mean he loved the life style which they were involved in,” Stiles said.
Jeff Barclay had similar thoughts on accepting gay people into his church
“We want anyone to feel welcome to come here and listen and not feel threatened,” Barclay said.
Barclay also said how he would talk with a gay person about their homosexuality the same way he would address a straight person’s problems by using the analogy being a doctor.
“If someone comes to us and says ‘can you help me with my life?’, we are going to be as honest as a doctor would be expected to be. ‘Well, yeah, we can help you and here’s what we see is wrong with you, and you can take our advice or not,’” Barclay said.
With more states making same-sex marriage legal and the possibility of it being legalized in California, Stiles has concerns and questions on the effects churches would face if more states pass same-sex marriage laws.
“I think it would raise questions on what’s next. How is it going to impact churches? How will Christians deal with it?” Stiles said. “Will it open doors for us and new opportunities to reach out to people of different life styles, again, not condoning or accepting those lifestyles?”
Pastors Joe Stiles and Jeff Barclay say how they would approach talking to a person that they know is a Christian, but also supports same-sex marriage.
Transcript:
Drew Parks: The Supreme Court’s oral argument on the ban of same-sex marriage has caused supporters of same-sex marriage to rally outside the courthouse to support their beliefs. Among these supporters include religious people, which can be odd since most religions are against gay marriage. In First Southern Baptist Church, Pastor Joe Stiles disagrees with the choice these religious people have made and says how he would handle confronting a person he knew that was a part of these rallies.
Joe Stiles: To sit down and have an open dialogue to be able to explain to me where you’re coming from, how you can take that stance based on the life style choice you made of being a follower of Christ.
Drew Parks: Jeff Barclay of Christ Community Church also says that he would take a similar approach in the same situation.
Jeff Barclay: I would more focus on that person’s relationship with Christ and let Christ in them begin to work out what, in my view, is a more proper manifestation of the Christian witness.
Drew Parks: This is Drew Parks with Heavenly Hawks.
