Pastor in support of marriage equality

To The Eagle:

As a Christian pastor employed by a tax-exempt church, I am not allowed to endorse candidates or political parties from the pulpit. But I can support issues that are related to my faith and ministry, so I am urging support of Referendum 74.

In my 44 years as a pastor, I have officiated at hundreds of marriages. It seems clear to me that the success or failure of these marriages has depended more on the love, respect, and caring of two people for each other, than on sexual orientation.

As a New Testament Christian, I look to Jesus for instruction on this issue, and Jesus said nothing about gay marriage. But He did say a whole lot about love, respect and caring. He also said a lot about making life better for others, and about equality. For me, that means "support 74."

Rev. Dan Schnabel,

United Church

of Christ