statement

Last night's Theology Discussion focused on the issue of same-sex marriage initiatives. As California has an initiative on this November's ballot, we thought it proper that the CrossLeft community speak out in the whole matter.

Those present (Rich Warden, Bill Peltz and Steve Rockwell) developed a sense that due to the wide variety of opinions/positions on homosexuality we should make a statement presenting a range of perceptions, not a formal position endorsing or opposing the initiative.

From our on-line discussion on homosexuality we have the sense that some of us favor gay marriage, others feel it is a civil matter; such separation of church and state - that no one religious tradition should tell another what to do or that the state should not deny homosexuals the right to marry, civil unions being one solution. Some feel it is a spiritual matter, that civil unions do not go far enough, that marriage is a matter of two consenting adults brought together by Our Creator, living in a committed relationship built upon love. We desired to affirm gay/lesbian people in a manner consistent with our beliefs and our feelings.