By now I hope you have heard that earlier this week the United Church of Christ filed lawsuit arguing that North Carolina marriage laws limit ministers’ choices, violate the principle of “free exercise of religion” upon which the church is built, and restrict the freedoms of religion and expressive association guaranteed in the First Amendment.
The following 2 1/2 minute video message from Geoffrey Black, President and General Minister of the United Church of Christ, provides a helpful overview. I have played it, and led discussion about it in multiple meetings this week. I will include it in my call to prayer during worship tomorrow.
The UCC has created a robust web presence that offers an incredible amount of information about the lawsuit, including links to a number of news stories. The conversation on Twitter can be followed using #freereligion.
So What?
People all across the theological continuum, including those who strongly oppose same-sex marriage, must understand the significance of this case for the cause of religious freedom. Albert Mohler, a religious conservative who serves as president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is opposed to same-sex marriage, finds merit in the UCC’s lawsuit and even going so far as to label it “very convincing.”
The message is clear: religious freedom is essential. Limiting the free exercise of clergy in any way is problematic. If people of faith fail to act when such freedoms are breached, then it should be expected that such freedom will face greater restrictions in the months and years that follow.
- Are you a part of the UCC or a tradition that tends to be labeled as progressive or liberal or part of a tradition that is generally viewed as conservative?
- What is your initial response to this lawsuit?
- How important is it to you that all people are able to freely exercise their religion of choice?