The Respect for Marriage Act - A Pastor’s Response
In recent days, United States Senators voted for what is currently being touted at The Respect for Marriage Act, or bill H.R. 8404. While the title of such a bill seems, for lack of a better term, respectable, it is anything but respect. It must plainly stated, this bill seeks to strip the rights and liberties of Christians who believe and confess the orthodox truth of marriage. The bill in its current form seeks to ratify same-sex marriage outside of the 2015 Supreme Court decision of Obergefell v. Hodges, in fears that Obergefell may be overruled should there be a serious consideration by the court in the coming years. This fear is due to a conservative majority of court judges currently sitting on the Supreme Court.
Some may be taken aback by such a bill, but not overly fearful, for since 2015 same-sex marriage has been “the law of the land.” Some may ask, “Why not simply pass this bill to move on, why raise such a fuss about the bill?” Or, “Wouldn’t we be better off if churches just ‘let this one slide?’”
That certainly is the case being brought by Christianity Today’s writer Carl Esbeck. In a recent article published by Christianity Today, he wrote, “All in all, RMA is a modest but good day’s work. It shows that religious liberty champions and LGBT advocates can work together for the common good.”[1] However, Carl purposely mishandles the bill to drug the masses from careful observation.
Greg Baylor, who serves as Senior Counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), states that the “provisions” for religious liberty:
“…does not fix the bill’s negative impact on religious exercise and freedom of conscience. Those targeted under the bill will be forced to spend years in litigation and thousands of dollars in attorneys’ fees to protect their rights.”[2]
This bill, then, advances the opportunities of both individuals and organizations who do not hold an orthodox view of marriage to sue Pastors, their churches, and even other non-profit religious organizations on the basis of discrimination. This is made clear by a recent article in the Washington Post, that outlines that the bill doesn’t go far enough:
“Other LGBTQ community members are frustrated with the concessions that Democrats in Congress made while same-sex marriage is still the law of the land. An amendment to the Respect for Marriage Act clarifies that the bill would not allow the federal government to recognize polygamous marriage and confirms that nonprofit religious organizations would not have to provide “any services, facilities, or goods for the solemnization or celebration of a marriage.”[3]
As clearly shown, whether in writing or in desire, the goal of the Respect for Marriage Act is to begin stripping away the rights of religious individuals, their places of worship, and their subsequent non-profit organizations (i.e. schools, adoption agencies, etc.).
This was made all the clearer when Senator Mike Lee, a Republican Senator from Utah, introduced an amendment on the Senate floor to amend the bill to clearly protect religious rights and liberties. In a tweet, the Senator explained, “My amendment simply prohibits the Federal Government from retaliating against schools, businesses, and organizations because of their religious beliefs about same-sex marriage. That is all it does.”[4] The amendment failed to be adopted into the bill – indicating that the authors, and supporters of the legislation, are taking direct aim at the religious.
So what can Christians actually do?
It seems far too often that once something gets rolling in on The Hill, very little can be done to stop it. There are, in fact, many things Christians can actually do.
First, you can find and contact your State Representatives by following this link. And you can contact your Senators by this link. Remember, that your Senators and Representatives answer to the voice of the people – so make your voice known.
Second, you can pray to your Father in Heaven who is sovereign over all things. The Scriptures say that “The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.” (Proverbs 21:1) You are commanded to pray for your elected leaders that they would obey God and perform righteousness, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior…” (1 Tim. 2:1-3)
Third, be bold with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As Christians we know, as a friend of mine put, that we cannot legislate people into heaven. Passing laws or amendments simply will not suffice. The only thing that truly change a person’s heart is the power of God in the proclamation of the Gospel. We are approaching the day when we must be ready with a defense for the hope that we have within us, according to 1 Peter 3:15. The Gospel is naturally offensive. It brings the things in the dark to light, it reveals the intentions of the heart, and calls sinners to repent before the only holy God. Be bold with the Gospel.
Lastly, hold fast to the confession of your faith for both you, and your family. Remember the words of our Lord, that we will be hated and persecuted because the world first hated Christ. This faith that has been deposited in us by the Spirit, is the very power of God unto salvation. Be drenched in the Scriptures, be made steadfast and immovable – always abounding in the work of the Lord. And know that we have not been abandoned; remember that our God is in the Heavens, and he does all that he pleases. Remember the words of the Psalmist, “The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.” (Ps. 103:19)
[1] https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/november-web-only/same-sex-marriage-religious-liberty-respect-marriage-act.html
[2] https://adflegal.org/article/what-you-should-know-about-respect-marriage-act
[3] https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/11/30/lgbtq-reaction-same-sex-marriage-bill/
[4] https://twitter.com/SenMikeLee/status/1597698283933032448
