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Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008

Same-sex marriages, Proposition 8 discussed at Modesto forum

Religious leaders divided but civil on issue

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A group of religious leaders gathered at a downtown Modesto church Wednesday night to discuss same-sex marriage, a heavily debated issue.

But heated rhetoric and animosity were nowhere to be seen as panelists on both sides of the issue talked about their beliefs and views of a proposed state law that would prevent gay couples from marrying.

Proposition 8 is the November ballot initiative to ban same-sex marriage in California. The initiative needs a simple majority of votes to pass, which would create a constitutional amendment that would overturn the state Supreme Court decision in May that legalized same-sex marriage in California.

Wayne Bridegroom, a pastor at Central Baptist Church in Modesto, is in favor of the proposed law.

"In God's eyes, the ideal is the same as it always has been: one man, one woman for life," he said.

The Rev. Jay Johnson, an Episcopal priest, said people of faith need to vote against this proposed law, which will discriminate against gay couples.

"This issue is a civil, economic and legal question; not a theological one," said Johnson, senior director at the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry in Berkeley. "The church has no business signing a legal contract designed by the state."

About 100 people came to hear the panel speak at First United Methodist Church in downtown Modesto. This is the first of three panel discussions on political issues to prepare voters for the election, said Debra Brady, pastor at the church.

"We want to provide a model of how people of faith can discuss these issues civilly," Brady said. "I see at least six different churches represented here."

The next panel discussions will deal with farm animal ethics and U.S. immigration policy. Brady, who created the panel series, said she hopes the discussions will draw people of all denominations and backgrounds.

Michael Goss, a Modesto divorce attorney for 29 years, moderated Wednesday's discussion and asked the panelists questions submitted in writing by the audience. He explained the proposed law.

In 2000, 61 percent of voters backed Proposition 22, which formally defined marriage as between a man and a woman. The ballot initiative created a statute that is subject to state judicial review, Goss said.

In May, the California Supreme Court struck down Proposition 22 and other prohibitions on same-sex marriage.

Even if Proposition 8 passed, Goss said, there is a possibility the new amendment would be subject to judicial review.

The campaign to pass Proposition 8 has gained support from a variety of religious organizations, according to the Yes on 8 Protect Marriage Web site.

The Knights of Columbus, a national Catholic fraternal organization, donated $1 million last week to support Proposition 8.

"From the day we were founded 126 years ago, strengthening and protecting the family has always been central to the mission of the Knights of Columbus," spokesman Patrick Korten said in a news release. "Preserving marriage as the indispensable institution in which children are conceived, born and raised to adulthood by a loving father and mother is vital to a healthy society."

The Rev. Robert Collins said the debate has divided members of his church.

He is a senior pastor at Centenary United Methodist Church in Modesto and is in favor of banning same-sex marriage.

The pastor, however, offered the audience an alternative to antagonistic opposition when it comes to same-sex marriage.

"We don't condone sin, but we don't condemn people either."

The Rev. Eileen Lindsay, pastor at United Methodist Church in Walnut Creek, said faithfulness and fidelity should be the hallmark of marriage. She asked the audience to vote against the proposed law, which she said would punish faithful couples.

"I take the Bible seriously," Lindsay said. "I believe promiscuity is the sin; not homosexuality. I will not deny marriage to a couple that is committed to fidelity and faithfulness."

Lindsay and her husband have four children, one of whom is a lesbian engaged to another woman. She said she prays for her daughter to be legally married.

"Out of our children in their 20s, she is the only child who has embraced the institution of marriage," Lindsay said with a smile.

Bee staff writer Rosalio Ahumada can be reached at rahumada@modbee.com or 578-2394.