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On "gay marriage" --
an index |
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Let's talk about ...
"GAY MARRIAGE" (more
precisely, "GLBT MARRIAGE") OR "CIVIL UNIONS"?
[12-29-03]
It appears that our Issues Analyst, Gene TeSelle, has
never met an issue he didn't at least like to think about. Here are two
reflections, one on an issue - same-sex marriage - that is of direct
concern to the PC(USA), the other -
legislative redistricting in
Texas and Colorado - an issue that is a matter of "good citizenship"
for all of us.
He offers these points with the hope they will generate
some good conversation, and perhaps ideas for actions to be suggested at
the 2004 General Assembly.
If you have thoughts,
please send a
note and we'll share it here!
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| A
surprising poll on marriage
[12-20-03]
Just
yesterday we announced a "poll on homosexual marriage" being taken by the
American Family Association, which "represents and stands for traditional
family values."
We
encouraged anyone who wanted to add a bit of diversity to the poll to
register their own opinions on the AFA website.
As of
mid-day on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003, they report these results:
I oppose legalization of
homosexual marriage and "civil unions"
38.78% (164946 votes)
I favor legalization of
homosexual marriage
52.88% (224886 votes)
I favor a "civil union"
with the full benefits of marriage except for the name
8.34% (35466 votes)
You can check their latest reports, and add
your own vote, at
http://www.afa.net/petitions/marriagepoll.asp
You may also want to look at the
statement of purpose of the
American Family Association. |
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What's the true meaning of marriage?
Gordon Shull, reflecting on the diverse realities of his own family,
suggests that marriage is defined not by labels but by "attitudes and deeds
that sustain the relationship. Love. Faithfulness. Respect. Thoughtfulness.
Wherever we find these in a couple, we find marriage defended - no matter
the gender, and no matter what we call it." [12-20-03] |
Christian ethicist concludes same-sex
marriage is okay -- but marriage is not for everyone
[12-8-03]
Titled Same-sex Marriage? A Christian Ethical Analysis,
a new book by Marvin M. Ellison, co-editor of
Body and Soul: Rethinking Sexuality as
Justice-Love, examines the arguments for and against same-sex
marriage and concludes that as a matter of justice, the institution should
be open to same-sex couples. But he adds the interesting point that marriage
is not necessarily ideal for all lesbian or gay people, and that marriage is
not for all straight people either.
You can see the
publisher's advance notice, and we'll try to offer more when the book is
published in January. |
Law prof suggests that the issue of "gay
marriage" could be settled by separating the civil and religious dimensions
[12-8-03]
In an article in the L A Times, Harvard law professor and noted
attorney Alan M. Dershowitz urges that our nation, like many others, might
ease some of the tensions about "gay marriage," while offering guarantees
for the rights of lesbian and gay couples, by observing the distinction
between the government's role in recognizing stable, committed relationships
and supporting them by protecting "the secular rights and responsibilities
that are currently associated with the sacrament of marriage: the financial
consequences of divorce, the custody of children, Social Security and
hospital benefits, etc."
That would leave religious institutions free to recognize
and affirm committed relationships in whatever way they choose, and within
whatever limits they choose. (Your WebWeaver has to note one error in the
article, though: Dershowitz follows President Bush's mistaken assumption
that all religious communities consider marriage a sacrament.) |
| Two writers, one conservative and one
liberal, explore "the case for gay
marriage." [11-26-03] |
| The Presbyterian Washington Office
provides a very helpful
overview of Presbyterian policy statements over recent years, dealing
with the civil rights of same-sex couples, and more.
[11-21-03] |
Another step forward for gay marriage [11-18-03]
Massachusetts' highest court ruled Tuesday that same-sex couples are
legally entitled to wed under the state constitution, but stopped short of
allowing marriage licenses to be issued to the couples who challenged the
law.
The Washington Post offers a report.
The Boston Globe offers a more complete report on the court
decision and its implications. |
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The blessings of marriage - why denied to gays? [7-26-03]
Charles Henderson, Presbyterian minister and editor of the
Christianity section of about.com,
offers a thoughtful essay about "the blessings of gay marriage," asking
"Why should a couple that is willing to assume the responsibilities of
marriage be denied any of its privileges?" |
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Some blogs worth visiting |
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PVJ's
Facebook page
Mitch Trigger, PVJ's
Secretary/Communicator, has created a Facebook page where
Witherspoon members and others can gather to exchange news and
views. Mitch and a few others have posted bits of news, both
personal and organizational. But there’s room for more!
You can post your own news and views,
or initiate a conversation about a topic of interest to you. |
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Voices of Sophia blog
Heather Reichgott, who has created
this new blog for Voices of Sophia, introduces it:
After fifteen years of scholarship
and activism, Voices of Sophia presents a blog. Here, we present the
voices of feminist theologians of all stripes: scholars, clergy,
students, exiles, missionaries, workers, thinkers, artists, lovers
and devotees, from many parts of the world, all children of the God
in whose image women are made. .... This blog seeks to glorify God
through prayer, work, art, and intellectual reflection. Through
articles and ensuing discussion we hope to become an active and
thoughtful community. |
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John Harris’ Summit to
Shore blogspot
Theological and philosophical
reflections on everything between summit to shore, including
kayaking, climbing, religion, spirituality, philosophy, theology,
politics, culture, travel, The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), New
York City and the Queens neighborhood of Ridgewood by a progressive
New York City Presbyterian Pastor. John is a former member of the
Witherspoon board, and is designated pastor of North Presbyterian
Church in Flushing, NY. |
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John Shuck’s Shuck and Jive
A Presbyterian minister, currently
serving as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethton,
Tenn., blogs about spirituality, culture, religion (both organized
and disorganized), life, evolution, literature, Jesus, and
lightening up. |
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Got more blogs to recommend?
Please
send a note, and we'll see what we can do! |
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Plan now for our 2010 Ghost Ranch
Seminar!
GHOST RANCH SEMINAR
July 26-August 1, 2010
WE’RE ALL IN
THIS TOGETHER
CONFRONTING THE STRUCTURES OF INJUSTICE |
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