The Fight for Marriage Equality: Fueled by Hatred?

That’s what Maggie Gallagher, the chair of the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) says.

Ms. Gallagher, who heads the group that led winning efforts to repeal marriage equality laws in California and Maine, said in a public event during Holy Week that “What [marriage equality advocates have] done now is that they’ve stopped trying to persuade people that gay marriage is a good idea… What they are doing is … directing a relentless torrent of accusations and hatred against anyone who speaks, no matter how civilly, for marriage.”

Let’s set the record straight:

• Integrity proclaims that loving, committed, faith-filled relationships are beautiful in the eyes of God.
• Our beloved Episcopal Church affirms that these relationships enable us to “see the image of God” in our spouses.
• We are most definitely FOR marriage – between a man and a woman, two women, or two men.
• And we do our best to follow Jesus’ commandment to “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matt 5:44).

Last week, I asked you to reflect on parts of your life, your community and the Church that are still in need of healing.  And I asked you to consider whether you feel called to join Integrity’s ministry in a new or deeper way.

Now I have two more specific requests:

First, write to Ms. Gallagher and her colleagues at NOM (contact@nationformarriage.org) and send a copy to info@integrityusa.org.  Here is a sample message:

As Jesus commands us (Matt 5:44) my friends and I at Integrity USA are praying for you.  We pray that the Holy Spirit will show you that loving relationships – marriages - need to be supported and treasured, regardless of whether they are between a man and a woman, two women, or two men.  These loving relationships help to build a healthy society and the Kingdom of God on Earth.

Second, make a special donation to Integrity so we can keep proclaiming that the struggle for marriage equality is the struggle for love and mutual respect.  And if you would like to become more active as a volunteer for marriage equality, send us a note at info@integrityusa.org.

Max Niedzwiecki

Executive Director, Integrity USA