Same-sex marriage support a sign of love, acceptance and devotion to God

By Rev. Brad Braxton

As an African-American theologian at a research university in Texas, a heterosexual ally of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people, and the Senior Pastor of a progressive, socially diverse Christian congregation in Maryland, I applaud President Obama’s recent endorsement of marriage equality. Same-sex couples should enjoy the privileges and bear the responsibilities of committed, covenant relationships just like heterosexual couples. Additionally, Christian congregations should bless same-sex marriages as a fulfillment of the church’s pastoral task and an endorsement of God’s eternal devotion to abundant life and holy love.

Enabling constructive encounters with diversity is a primary pastoral task of religious congregations. Apart from diversity, the pursuit of truth becomes an idolatrous affair of a community worshipping its limited perspectives, and the practice of love becomes egotistical self-adoration. By welcoming diversity in the embodied presence of others — in this case LGBT persons and couples — congregations enhance their capacity to offer truth and love.
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