Marriage Equality: A Theological Necessity

Earlier this year, Newsweek ran a cover story that made a biblical case for same-sex marriage.  In the article, religious leaders noted that if you look at what the Bible teaches about love, it's unequivocal that religion - in this case, Christianity - should support the idea of marriage equality for LGBT couples.

Two influential New York leaders of faith are out with a similar message of love and acceptance, in an article that calls marriage equality a theological necessity.  Too often we see opponents of same-sex marriage trot out religious reasons for denying LGBT people the right to marry.  For every one of these people, it's imperative to remember that there are religious voices championing LGBT rights not in spite of, but because of, their religion.

The two NY leaders of faith, Rev. Brad Baxton and Rev. Serene Jones, pack a powerful punch with their message of inclusivity:

Marriage equality and religious freedom are not in conflict. When states grant the civil rights of marriage to gay couples, religious communities still maintain their right to recognize whichever relationships they see fit as a religious community. We believe that debates about the meaning of Christian marriage can only take place honestly when the state provides equality and fairness for all. This is all the more true because there is no one Christian position about marriage: many different interpretations exist within our traditions, and it is a challenging task within Christian communities to discern our way forward despite theological differences. While we welcome theological discussion about the religious understanding of marriage, we insist on full, equal civil rights for all couples who wish to share their lives in committed and loving relationships with one another.

They hit the nail on the head.  While there's room for debate within religious entities over what the definition of marriage should be, that debate belongs in religion, not in politics.  When it comes to the government, the duty of the state is to make sure that all citizens are equal under the law.  That's not currently the case, because committed gay and lesbian couples are continually denied many of the same benefits offered to straight married couples.

Beyond that, Braxton and Jones (no relation!) touch on something else: the fact that marriage equality is beneficial to theology and religion.  They're right.  Protecting the liberties of LGBT people is equally as important as protecting the liberties of religious people, and the two are inter-connected.  The very grounds for religious freedom are interwoven with the premise of civil rights; denying equal rights to LGBT people threatens everyone's hold on equality.

Moreover, as these two faith leaders conclude, promoting marriage equality will strengthen families and communities, which is a central tenet of all faiths, especially Christianity.  As Jones and Braxton wrap up:

Ending the exclusion of gay couples from marriage will strengthen families and provide loving, committed couples with the full equality under the law that our faith teaches us is requisite for any just society. As people of faith we call for full marriage equality and give thanks to God for the civil government that will allow it.

Can we get an Amen to that?!