28 April, 2006

Talk About An Eye Opener!

Here in Illinois there is has been a petition for a statewide advisory question, to be placed on the ballot this fall for the voters of Illinois to vote "Yes" or "No" to the following question:
"Shall the Illinois General Assembly submit an amendment to Article IX of the Illinois State Constitution to the voters of the State of Illinois at large in the next General Election stating as follows:
'To secure and preserve the benefits of marriage for our society and for future generations of children, a marriage between a man and a woman is the only legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State.' "

One would think people would be eager to sign this, especially those within the church. I have found this just is not the case. I have been stunned at the numbers of people who have told me that they just don't think the church should involve themselves in such matters. Others have indicated that we were "gay bashing" and promoting hate crimes by passing this petition. Oddly enough, I found it easier to get signatures from non-churched people. In talking with some other pastors this week, I found some had similar experiences, and that some pastors themselves refused to sign and refused to involve there church in collecting signatures.
What happened to taking a stand for righteousness.
It sure appears to me that this nation is heading the wrong direction at break-neck speed.

9 comments:

Pastor Jeff said...

In the '04 elections, we had the same basic proposal. It went heavily to the institution of marriage. Thumbs up!

As far as church folk not wanting to sign, they need to realize that Christ has called them to be salt and light in the world. They certainly said this to you: "Well, Pastor Darrell, I just don't think the church should get involved with political matters." Last I checked, this wasn't a political issue, as abortion is not one either. It is a moral issue that has been politicised. We must speak out on these issues. I'm with ya, Bro! Unfortunately, I can't vote in IL!

~Jeff

The 6 Karns' said...

Right on, Pastors (Darrell & Jeff). It truly is mind boggling to think that people don't want to sign - just to protect the rights of marriage between MAN & WOMAN. That's how I presented it as I got signeratures, after hearing how Shawn came up against opposition at work.

Unknown said...

amen!! i wish i could have sighned ( not a registerd voter) but i am praying about this .

Sean McKee said...

It just shows how the gay propaganda machine beaten down the complacent church. The Christians are either duped into believing that they should not get involved in 'worldly matters' or they are just scared of bad publicity or law suites.

The Christians are just scared, lazy, and deceived.

Just keep us fat and happy and we will let the freedoms we have be taken away.

Sean McKee said...

Darrell,

Is there a link to this petition? Can you email it to me or tell me where I can get one?

Libby said...

I don't mean to offend anyone, but I have difficulty understanding why anyone who is able would not be a registered voter! Many have fought valliantly giving their lives for us to have the right to voice our opinions. People in Iraq understand the priviledge so much that they risked their lives for the opportunity to vote! Why do we take it so lightly in the U.S.?

God DOES expect us to stand up for our principles and Christian values. Why are we being silent?

ruthrap said...

i believe that one of the problems is that too many people including "christians" have become accepting of the gay lifestyle and especially since they have "come out of the closet" so to speak. Like so many other things that are blatently wrong once they are accepted and the media promotes that acceptance, then it becomes "okay" to those that would normally be opposed to the behavior. People can find more excuses for things that are morally wrong from sexually related things, to overindulgence in alchohol and any number of things to numerous to mention...but if they were to check the truth about homosexuality that is stated in the bible...they'd find that there is no excuse for such behavior and that it is definitely wrong in the eyes of The Creator!

Unknown said...

not offended libby, I was registered but ive moved so much in the last 3 years i havent re regesterd yet!! i think i have to go to a different place to vote than where i was , thats what my mom told me anyways!!

Riona said...

I'm sorry Darrell, but I have to vehemently disagree with you about this - excuse me if I come across strongly, because I find it hard not to be upset about this topic.

I do not understand how anyone who loves can deny others the right to love. I am at a loss to understand why who you love should mean that you are wrong, immoral or somehow a threat to the common good... and it is this particular issue, this example of intolerance, of hate, of discrimination, that represents the largest barrier between me and most religions.

What purpose does it serve to denigrate someone for who they choose to love? How can that ever contribute to doing God's will?

"What happened to taking a stand for righteousness."

I completely agree. Which is why I stand for equality, love, tolerance and respect. For everyone.