To have this be a legal marriage means everything to both of us

[AlecBGreen]

16. thanks for the links

It is amazing to me that a Baptist church (traditionally they are quite conservative) would perform same-sex marriages. That is a step in the right direction IMO.

"People do change. I encourage you to continue "workin' on it", you might be pleasantly surprised with the results of your efforts."

I agree. When my brother came out, my mom (already liberal) became very informed and vocal on the matter within our church. My long-time childhood pastor has changed his thinking on the matter to supporting same-sex rights (and marriage AFAIK) and I think my mom may have played a role in that. If he can do it, many can.

My concern, well-founded or not, is that I support same-sex marriage for the wrong reasons. My brother is gay and I want him to be happy. That does not mean it is OK in the eyes of God. Humanity has a long history of doing what it wants and justifying it by saying "Oh yeah, this is what God wants!" Even so, I think it is better to err on the side of mercy, love and inclusion. Its a tough issue for me but one that I will not retreat from. I think gay people are deserving to enjoy all the benefits and responsibilities of marriage, both civic and sexual. As my conservative pastor taught us during confirmation, "God made sex for PROcreation and RECreation." Amen!