Emerging Trends in Religious Freedom
excerpts of remarks by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) at the
2019 Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom
Harry S. Truman Building, Washington, DC July 17, 2019
Posted: July 18th, 2019 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Chris Smith, Human Rights, Religion | Tags: 2019 Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom, Congressman Chris Smith, Religious Freedom | 1 Comment »By Bader George Qarmont
As New Jersey became the 14th state in the Union to license gay marriage, I am left wondering why and what is next. Will this judicial activism have any impact on churches? Some may think I am over reacting, but I fear that the church is 15-25 years away from being forced to perform same sex marriage or risk losing tax exemption for discrimination. A Pastor threating to close his church doors before doing so, is no threat at all.
If a church wants to continue to practice the Biblical definition of marriage, it needs to protect itself. I see a potential for litigation to force a church to marry same sex couples, as is already happening in England. Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, The gay plaintiff in the legal challenge in England said “The only way forward for us now is to make a challenge in the courts against the church.” It is a matter of time before American churches are also legally challenged.
Currently most churches will marry non-members in a religious ceremony at the church, this practice must end immediately and new policy implemented as soon as possible. I believe churches should have a policy to only marry members. In order to be a member each person must sign a statement of faith that includes acceptance of the Biblical definition of marriage. Anyone can attend the church but only members can be married in the church.
Posted: November 10th, 2013 | Author: admin | Filed under: Bader George Qarmout, Gay Marriage, marriage, Marriage Equality, Opinion, Religion, Same Sex Marriage | Tags: Bader George Qarmout, Gay Marriage, Marriage Equality, Religion, Same Sex Marriage | 8 Comments »© Copyright 2024 | MoreMonmouthMusings | All Rights Reserved