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St. Anselm of Canterbury Episcopal Church 13091 Galway Street Garden Grove, CA. 92844 (714) 537-0604
June 17, 2008 Dear Parish Family: There is much controversy lately over the legalization of same sex marriages. The State of California is one of only two states in the whole of these United States that currently recognize the right of same sex couples to wed and tie the knot. Watching the local evening news I’ve observed same sex couple after same sex couple join in matrimony in what can be described as festive, happy, joyful, and dignified celebrations. Most of these couples seem mature in age. They are probably people who have been in monogamous relationships for years, but deprived of the right to marry. I find my heart going out to them in love simply because I can see the bond between them, and I am moved by what I see, nothing less than the power of love. As a kid there was a song I liked a lot. Back in 1970 the Temptations released a hit single titled: “Ball of Confusion.” It starts out saying: People moving out, people moving in. Well, the only person talking about love thy brother Segregation, determination, demonstration, integration, Aggravation, humiliation, I related to this song as a kid, and still do. I have a vivid memory of moving into an all white neighborhood and watching white flight unfold before my very eyes. Segregation was very much alive, even in the Bronx, and for blue collar whites, Puerto Ricans were no better a class of people than Blacks. As ethnic minorities we were all on the same boat. To this day I believe that racism is motivated by fear, and homophobia is no different. The state of California has legalized the marriage between same sex partners. Not everyone is happy. There was a time in this country where interracial marriage was considered anathema, an abomination, and many states had laws prohibiting this practice. Now most of us would be horrified at the thought that people of different races could not marry in America (USA). It has taken a long time but currently we readily accept interracial marriages (although there are racists who still advocate against it and may even go as far as quoting the Bible to justify their stance). Given the current scenario with same sex marriages, and the fears and confusion surrounding this topic, it is not surprising that countless barriers remain. How do we respond to the new California law as Christians? This is not an easy question because fear still reigns supreme in the hearts of many Christians, and I would advocate that most don’t even know it is there. Many look to the few verses on homosexuality contained in the Holy Scriptures to justify their stance against gay marriages. It doesn’t take a lot of imagination to realize that when it comes to human sexuality, we still have a very long way to go. From my perspective we still live in a “Ball of Confusion” here in California, in America, and in the church. On November 4th, the voters of California will have an opportunity to vote on whether or not to keep the law allowing same sex marriages. I’d like to invite everyone to prayerful reflection. How do we vote in a spirit of Godliness? How do we vote in a manner that reflects the compassion and inclusiveness of Jesus, and respects the dignity of every human being? How do we move beyond our personal prejudice and respect the right to happiness that all people in love, regardless of their sexual orientation, deserve? This is an issue that most mainline Christian denominations have not resolved. We are still struggling with it in the Episcopal Church and some; a very small minority, have opted to leave the historical Episcopal Church since the consecration as bishop of Gene Robinson, an openly gay man in a monogamous relationship with another man. Yet, this is an issue that will not go away: “run run run but you sure can’t hide.” As a nation we have overcome many biases in the world of human sexuality, we even came very close this year to having our first woman candidate to the U.S. presidency, Hilary Clinton, but we still have many prejudices to address when it comes to sexuality. Our world has changed and through education, and by addressing our fears, I believe it can be less of a “Ball of Confusion.” Jesus calls us to be the light of the world, and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16). With regard to our fears Jesus further says in John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” My spirit continues to rejoice for those couples who have finally been given the just right to marry. I pray that they may continue to live happy and productive lives, and that God give them the measure of grace needed to sustain any marriage, gay or straight. We all have an opportunity on November 4 to make a difference in the quality of life for the gay community. It is my prayer that we practice our faith in a spirit of authenticity that day, and not in a spirit of fear. There is nothing that prohibits us as Episcopalians to vote in favor of same sex marriages. St. Anselm’s remains an open and affirming congregation, welcoming all people, regardless of their race or sexual orientation. I pray that we all vote with a clear conscience on November 4th, recognizing that we don’t all share the same views. Love conquers all, may our “hearts not be troubled.” May God’s blessing be upon the same sex newlyweds! Veni Sancte Spiritus, Wilfredo Benitez + The Rec. Wilfredo Benitez, Rector See previous Logs |
