LightGoddess
02-14-2008, 11:02 PM
Greetings!
I am an Interfaith Minister and Relationship Coach/Counselor....I am also involved in breeding and rescuing Chinese Shar Pei. Although my personal Partnerships have always been with the opposite sex, I have the deepest of conviction that all pathways and expressions of love, all connections are Sacred. I have never understood the concept of only recognizing "traditional" partnerships (opposite sex couples) as acceptable. For me, Divine nature is INCLUSIVE, not Exclusive....thus all unions based in love are divine. All families valid and precious in Divine eyes.
I am deeply disturbed by social, religious and political trends that seek to so narrowly define what makes a Partnership Sacred.....or even legal. To so narrowly define what makes a Family. The enforcing upon a society of such a small and limited model of "Family Values" seems to me to be, well, not the actions of an enlightened society. It apears that our society is de-evolving....sliding into a dark age of fear, judgement and condemnation. I fear for a Society run by such small, closed minds that seeks to dictate the values of it's people.
I live in Spokane, WA....just moved here from Las Vegas. Have been watching the opposition to the Domestic Partnership bill here in Washington. First off, to me, I feel this bill was a consolation prize anyway, as Marital Partnerships should not be limited or defined beyond two adults seeking partnership. IMO, In the Civil sense a Marriage is a simple contract of partnership between 2 individuals. The gender(s) of such 2 individuals has no real relevence in the Civil sense. Or at least it should not. I just feel this is a violation of basic civil rights and the undue influence of religious views on the system which violates separation of Church and State.
That being said, the opposition and arguements for such was such a disappointment to see. Thinly veiled, Religious Rhetoric. Sigh!
Now, I respect all belief systems....even those I do not agree with. If I do not like a Religion's Doctrine, I simply do not embrace such. If a Religion chooses to be exclusive and only embrace same sex couples and "traditional families", that is between them and God. If the choose to worship chickens from a planet in another galaxy, that is also their right. To each his own. Yet, IMHO, inflicting such belief systems upon a Society, thru manipulating it's laws, is a violation of religious freedom. A violation of Civil Rights....a violation of HUMAN Rights.
If individuals do not believe in same sex Marriage, they ought not take a Partner to Wed that is the same sex....as is their right. Yet (again, IMHO) to dicate such personal belief to govern the choices/rights of others is NOT their right.
Uh, so....here I am!
Ok....(she leaps clumsily from her soapbox). Anyway, I am glad to have found this forum. I am honored to be here among you. I would really like to see our society move back toward enlightenment and true Sacredness of united diversity.
Blessings to all!!!
Rev JL Wortham
I am an Interfaith Minister and Relationship Coach/Counselor....I am also involved in breeding and rescuing Chinese Shar Pei. Although my personal Partnerships have always been with the opposite sex, I have the deepest of conviction that all pathways and expressions of love, all connections are Sacred. I have never understood the concept of only recognizing "traditional" partnerships (opposite sex couples) as acceptable. For me, Divine nature is INCLUSIVE, not Exclusive....thus all unions based in love are divine. All families valid and precious in Divine eyes.
I am deeply disturbed by social, religious and political trends that seek to so narrowly define what makes a Partnership Sacred.....or even legal. To so narrowly define what makes a Family. The enforcing upon a society of such a small and limited model of "Family Values" seems to me to be, well, not the actions of an enlightened society. It apears that our society is de-evolving....sliding into a dark age of fear, judgement and condemnation. I fear for a Society run by such small, closed minds that seeks to dictate the values of it's people.
I live in Spokane, WA....just moved here from Las Vegas. Have been watching the opposition to the Domestic Partnership bill here in Washington. First off, to me, I feel this bill was a consolation prize anyway, as Marital Partnerships should not be limited or defined beyond two adults seeking partnership. IMO, In the Civil sense a Marriage is a simple contract of partnership between 2 individuals. The gender(s) of such 2 individuals has no real relevence in the Civil sense. Or at least it should not. I just feel this is a violation of basic civil rights and the undue influence of religious views on the system which violates separation of Church and State.
That being said, the opposition and arguements for such was such a disappointment to see. Thinly veiled, Religious Rhetoric. Sigh!
Now, I respect all belief systems....even those I do not agree with. If I do not like a Religion's Doctrine, I simply do not embrace such. If a Religion chooses to be exclusive and only embrace same sex couples and "traditional families", that is between them and God. If the choose to worship chickens from a planet in another galaxy, that is also their right. To each his own. Yet, IMHO, inflicting such belief systems upon a Society, thru manipulating it's laws, is a violation of religious freedom. A violation of Civil Rights....a violation of HUMAN Rights.
If individuals do not believe in same sex Marriage, they ought not take a Partner to Wed that is the same sex....as is their right. Yet (again, IMHO) to dicate such personal belief to govern the choices/rights of others is NOT their right.
Uh, so....here I am!
Ok....(she leaps clumsily from her soapbox). Anyway, I am glad to have found this forum. I am honored to be here among you. I would really like to see our society move back toward enlightenment and true Sacredness of united diversity.
Blessings to all!!!
Rev JL Wortham