Do all that you can to live in peace with
everyone. Romans 12:18 (NLT)
The New York Times reported yesterday[2] that:
“…with
the backing of Mormon church
leaders, the Republican-dominated Utah Legislature passed a bill on Wednesday
night that would ban discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender people in housing and employment, while also protecting religious
institutions that object to homosexuality.
The legislation, known as “the Utah compromise,” has been hailed
by Mormon leaders and gay rights advocates as a breakthrough in balancing
rights and religious freedom, and as a model for other conservative states. But
leaders of some other churches oppose it, saying it would not sufficiently
protect the rights of individuals who have religious objections to
homosexuality.
Regardless of your position on homosexuality, this is quite a
story. I don’t follow politics too
closely (haven’t got the stomach for most of it). But this is really something else. When you consider that a conservative group
like the Mormon Church, in concert with a Republican (very conservative)
Legislature took the initiative to pass a law that favors progressive thinking
(i.e. rights for LGBT persons)…WOW…just WOW!
Again, I’m no “politico” but every now and then I see something
that gives me hope for a return to sanity in this country. This might be the strangest of ways to
present this, but I have been waiting for two “opposing” sides to finally act
with a little common sense.
What the Utah Compromise wins for both “sides” is, on the progressive
side there is non-discrimination in basic human needs (housing, employment). And, on the conservative side the win is
protection of the right to think differently without being charged with a “hate
crime.”
Ordinarily a “compromise” means nobody got everything,
but everyone
gets something. I think
it is just that here.
And more.
I think the “more” is that there is a “win” for humanity. That “win” is respect for the dignity of the
image of God on every human soul. Two
very diametrically-opposed groups saw the light at the end of the tunnel to (as
Paul wrote) “live together in peace”.
I am still of the opinion that homosexuality is contrary to
Scriptural teaching, but dehumanizing people over their choices is as wrong as
anything else called sin.
To live in peace with all people means straight people accept with
respect that gay people are entitled under law to their choices. On the other hand gay people must respect the
right of straight people to hold to their conscience. In short, both “sides” realize that when the
sun comes up tomorrow, it will be God who judges and we all have too much homework
with that one to be wasting time bashing each other.
For You Today
If you never thought you’d write a letter to the Speaker of the
House in the Utah State Legislature….well, neither did I.
But I’m going to do just that; I’m going to tell him I support
trying to live together in peace.
Join me?
