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by Anna Gorra
"I now pronounce you man and wife" may no longer be deemed politically correct.
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Local pastors consider effects of homosexual marriage laws
"I now pronounce you man and wife" may no longer be deemed politically correct for pastors to declare over newlyweds. The Canadian Supreme Court is redefining marriage by allowing homosexuals to marry. Canada's Parliament narrowly passed a bill, 137-132, rejecting an old definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman. The bill's ramifications could reach beyond Canada's borders.
Pastor David Miller of Bethel Baptist Church in Portland, Ore., has a small congregation of around 60 people. He said that although the Canadian laws do not affect his ministry, he is positive that Oregon will accept laws in support of homosexual marriage in four to five years.
"The thing that scares me is that if a same-sex law were enacted, the American Civil Liberties Union might come in and say that we have to honor it," Pastor Miller said.
While the ACLU may get involved with the church, many pastors say that they will stand by the Word of God on this issue and refuse to condone homosexual unions.
On the Oregon Coast, Pastor Mark Canady serves at Pacific Coast Bible Church, a congregation of 95 people.
"What troubles me is not that nations, states and governments are wrestling with this," he said. "What troubles me is that the church is wrestling with this. I do not expect the government to behave biblically, but I do expect [it of] the local church.
"My obligation is to God's Word first. I will not bend when it comes to His Word; I will defend His Word at every cost," Pastor Canady said.
Someday laws similar to those being passed in Canada regarding same-sex marriage may be passed in Oregon. Homosexuals may approach by a homosedxual couple asking for marri Pastor Canady said he would not marry a homosexual couple. Instead, he would meet with them and explain how homosexulaity is in violation of God's Word.
According to Dave Robinson, an associate pastor at Crossroads Community Church in Vancouver, Wash., "there is no such thing as a same-sex marriage" because marriage, according to evangelicals, is between a man and a woman.
"Any time the government goes against the scripture, we will side with scripture," he said. "We would still not recognize that [homosexual] union as being an acceptable union."
Pastor Joel Marshall serves at The Gathering in Sherwood, a congregation of more than 125 people.
"I would refuse [to marry a homosexual couple]. As a pastor, I can now refuse to marry heterosexual couples for moral reasons," he said.
Dr. Robinson said that they drive for tolerance has created a pressure to avoid talking about sin. He doesn't see opposing homosexual marriage as being a hate crime. "I would see [homosexual marriage couples] as two people who are blinded by sin and trying to justify their passions. I see them as real people who are deceived and need a lot of compassion and care."
For evangelical pastors, "marriage" is not a fuzzy word with mixed meanings. It is a covenant made before God between a man and a woman.
Pastor Miller said that homosexuals, on the other hand, regard marriage as a partnership.
"The church will be greatly affected by any laws recognizing homosexual unions," Pastor Marshall said. "Though we must reach out with grace, we must also stand up for the truth. This will cause the church to try to minister to [homosexuals] more creatively."
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