OP-ED: Has the Sanctity of Marriage Been Overshadowed by Politics?
This letter was written by the Reverend Andrew Butler, the Pastor of St. John's Episcopal Church in Montclair. It is reprinted here as an opinion editorial with Reverend Butler's permission.
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As you may have heard, both houses of the New Jersey Legislature passed versions of the Marriage Equality and Religious Exemption Act this week. On Monday, Feb. 13th, the Senate voted 24-16 in favor, and Thursday the Assembly followed with a vote of 42-33.
Our Bishop, the Right Rev. Mark Beckwith, Bishop of Newark, has been an outspoken advocate on behalf of equality for everyone. I had the privilege of hearing him speak before the Senate Committee a few weeks ago and was proud to be part of a church that sees equality for all as an issue of justice and one that is worthy of our voice.
Part of the tension that I live with as a priest is my calling to be a priest for the whole church and not just for those with whom I agree. You have not heard me speak out on this issue in our parish because there are people more articulate who can do so. I am not under the assumption that everyone at St. John's is of the same mind when it comes to this issue and yet the word 'marriage', from a political and moral perspective seems to have become more sacred than the actual meaning of the word. I also hope for a day when what we call committed relationships is no longer the focus and when we use our energy to support loving relationships of all types.
If you are interested in getting involved, there will be a RALLY FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY at the Unitarian Church on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST, 7:30 PM, located at 67 Church Street, Montclair, NJ. Rev. Charlie Ortman, along with Rev. Judy Tomlinson, members of their Board of Trustees and congregation and the wider community, to both celebrate the passage of the Marriage Equality Bill in our State Legislature and to protest Gov. Chris Christie's anticipated veto of it.
I give thanks for all those in our parish who teach us what loving committed relationships look like, regardless of their orientation. I'm especially inspired by the lesbian and gay couples at St. John's who have made this commitment in a society hostile to their struggle for equal rights and respect. All St. John's couples are an inspiration in a culture that seems more fixated on disposable relationships. Remember that you are a reflection of God's love for all of us.
--February 17, 2012
John Lee
6:15 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
In the American Experience the sanctity of marriage has become nothing more than a state santioned business relationship; one in which very specific tax breaks, property rights without tax consequences, and even a disregard for public safety by establishing the legal precedent in which a spouse is not compelled to testify against one another even in cases of rape, murder or other heinous acts. (just look at the Sandusky situation) are afforded people just because someone suggests this is how I was told it should be. Until marriage equality is afforded to all, including extending all the state sponsored perks afforded married people, the concept of "all men being created equal" remains a wish list line item on a centuries old piece of paper.