A Simple Understanding & Ways to Answer by Action
Introduction
As Christians, we are not to walk according to popular culture but by Godly principles. Throughout history, marriage has meant one thing: the union of a man and woman in a legally binding and publically recognized partnership. (Gen. 1:27-28a; Gen. 2:23-24) Few in America envisioned a day when the definition of marriage would be up for debate. But that day has arrived. There are forces in our culture seeking to destroy marriage by changing its very definition. (Defending Marriage, 2004 Coral Ridge Ministries: Fort Lauderdale. p.1)
Same-sex "marriage" opens the door not just to same-gender couples but, as the 1972 Gay Rights Platform out it, to "all persons who cohabit, regardless of sex or numbers." (Coral Ridge Ministries 2004: Impact "XVI.2"p.4)
The goal, according to homosexual activist Michelangelo Signorile is "to fight for same-sex 'marriage' and its benefits, and then, once granted, redefine the institution of marriage completely...to debunk a myth and radically alter an archaic institution... The most subversive action lesbians and gay men can undertake... is to transform the notion of 'family' entirely." (Coral Ridge Ministries 2004: Impact "XLI.2" p.4)
Legislation of same sex marriage sends the message that this aberration is acceptable - or even normal. No civilization has ever made such an arrogant break with God's law and survived. (Defending Marriage, 2004 Coral Ridge Ministries: Ft. Lauderdale p.20)
Questions Answered
A Tyranny of Judges? Judicial tyranny is at the heart of the issue. "Four robed individuals are attempting to seize power from the people of Massachusetts and their elected officials" says Gary Bauer, president of American Values, "and order a cultural outcome of their choosing. These non-elected judges would try to impose what no elected legislature would dare consider. And, in fact, they are ordering the unprecedented destruction of marriage, despite tremendous public support for the key building block of society." (Defending Marriage, 2004 Coral Ridge Ministries: Ft. Lauderdale p.23)Alabama's Senator Jeff Sessions goes even further: "If the American people do not answer [this question], if may be answered by courts with lifetime appointments, unaccountable to the people and who may be out of step with what the American people think and value." (Defending Marriage, 2004 Coral Ridge Ministries: Ft. Lauderdale p.21)
Why should Christians become involved? Matthew 5:13 says: You are the Salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. Salt, by its very nature, is a preservative. God has called us to be the preservative of those principles He has laid down for us to live by. Therefore, it is our duty to act to preserve traditional marriage the way God has defined it.
The pro-homosexual activists have been so successful in advancing their agenda through the courts that the people of America must now decide what marriage truly is, and isn't -- and they must do it quickly.
Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA)
A Federal Marriage Constitutional Amendment (FMA) is essential because it protects traditional marriage from re-definition by either state legislatures or the courts. It reads simply:
"Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Neither this constitution or the constitution of any state, nor state or federal law, shall be construed to require that marital status or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups." (Defending Marriage, 2004 Coral Ridge Ministries: Ft. Lauderdale p.18)
Minnesota Marriage Amendment (MMA)
A state constitutional amendment is essential to protect marriage in Minnesota. The state of Minnesota has a law, The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that defines marriage to be between one man and one woman. Massachusetts had a defense of marriage act similar to the one in Minnesota, but four judges overturned this legislation. A constitutional amendment is stronger than a law like DOMA - it can not be superseded by any court ruling - therefore, a marriage amendment would protect traditional marriage in Minnesota.
Ways YOU can take Action
To have the Marriage Amendment added to the state constitution 51% of voters must vote for the amendment. Our responsibility as citizens is to contact our legislators to give our opinion about this issue and insist that they work to get the amendment on the ballot for this November election.
- Pray
- for God's will
- wisdom for our legislators
- informed voters - Call, write or email
- your Federal senators and representatives
- your State senators and representatives - Sign Petitions
- Federal (www.reclaimamerica.org)
- State (www.mfc.org) - Stay Informed
- Please see below - Tell Others
- of what you know and encourage them to vote - VOTE!!
- both the primaries and the general elections
Some things are worth fighting for! VOTE!
For More Information
National
Family Research Council: www.frc.org
Alliance Defense Fund: www.alliancedefensefund.org
Reclaiming America for Christ: www.reclaimamerica.org
State
To locate your Minnesota State Senator & Representative contact:
www.senate.leg.state.mn.us and www.house.leg.state.mn.us
The Olmsted County Auditor at: 507-287-2118 or www.co.olmsted.mn.us
Secretary of State office: 651-296-2344 or www.sos.state.mn.us
Minnesota Family Council: www.mfc.org (for special alerts, updates and voter guides)
"This is not a time to despair, but it is a time for us to get on our knees
in prayer (1Thess. 5:17), roll up our sleeves, and work even harder. Together
we can preserve traditional marriage, not only for this generation, but for
generations to come."
Alan Sears, President, Alliance Defense Fund