I have been thinking for over a week what I wanted to write about the passage of Prop 8. I agree with Eric's well written blog post that it was a miracle. We feel like we saw the hand of the Lord in the work and know that He is the divine reason it passed. We were also pleased that 5,424, 916 people agree that marriage is only between a man and a woman.
However, my heart if very saddened that in a country that was founded on personal and religious freedom Eric and I are being persecuted for standing up for something we felt was important, and will protect our own marriage and our family.
So here are some things I want to share about the subject. I am sorry, but it is a long post.
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I have stuggled in trying to find the words to express how I personally feel. I think this press relase from the Chruch sums it up the best.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints official press release after the passage of Prop 8.
SALT LAKE CITY 5 November 2008 COMMENTARY Since Proposition 8 was placed on the ballot in June of this year, the citizens of California have considered the arguments for and against same-sex marriage. After extensive debate between those of different persuasions, voters have chosen to amend the California State Constitution to state that marriage should be between a man and a woman. Voters in Arizona and Florida took the same course and amended their constitutions to establish that marriage will continue to be between a man and a woman. Such an emotionally charged issue concerning the most personal and cherished aspects of life — family, identity, intimacy and equality — stirs fervent and deep feelings. Most likely, the election results for these constitutional amendments will not mean an end to the debate over same-sex marriage in this country. We hope that now and in the future all parties involved in this issue will be well informed and act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility toward those with a different position. No one on any side of the question should be vilified, intimidated, harassed or subject to erroneous information. It is important to understand that this issue for the Church has always been about the sacred and divine institution of marriage — a union between a man and a woman. Allegations of bigotry or persecution made against the Church were and are simply wrong. The Church's opposition to same-sex marriage neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility toward gays and lesbians. Even more, the Church does not object to rights for same-sex couples regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches. Some, however, have mistakenly asserted that churches should not ever be involved in politics when moral issues are involved. In fact, churches and religious organizations are well within their constitutional rights to speak out and be engaged in the many moral and ethical problems facing society. While the Church does not endorse candidates or platforms, it does reserve the right to speak out on important issues. Before it accepted the invitation to join broad-based coalitions for the amendments, the Church knew that some of its members would choose not to support its position. Voting choices by Latter-day Saints, like all other people, are influenced by their own unique experiences and circumstances. As we move forward from the election, Church members need to be understanding and accepting of each other and work together for a better society. Even though the democratic process can be demanding and difficult, Latter-day Saints are profoundly grateful for and respect the ideals of a true democracy. The Church expresses deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the many Latter-day Saints and others who supported the coalitions in efforts regarding these amendments.
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Since the passage of Prop 8, Eric's name has been added to an anti-gay black list due to our donation. I have seen the official list of people who donated, and why this group decided to pick on use with our little $1, 000 donation compared to some who donated $25,000 to a million dollars is an interesting question. We are very saddened that they feel this way because it is not true. We do not hate them. We just wanted to protect the divine institution of Marriage. We do not hate.
http://antigayblacklist.com/
I copied the rest from the above listed web site... However, I erased the rest of the names and just left Eric's.
Eric Fors / Comm. Loan Underwriter, Bank Of America / S. Pasadena, CA /$1,000
A DIY Puzzle Piece
2 months ago
1 comments:
yes, i love what the church's press releases have said throughout this process. so concise and to the point. thanks for all your hard work! matt, dave's brother was very involved where he lives in ridgecrest, ca. it was because of people like you and eric and matt that prop 8 passed.
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