Bishop Bruno issues statement on the passage of Proposition 8
Bishop J. Jon Bruno of the Diocese of Los Angeles issued a statement on November 5 concerning the passage of Proposition 8, the California ballot initiative that amends the state constitution to define marriage as only the union of a man and a woman, therefore outlawing gay or lesbian marriage.
Bruno, along with Bishop Suffragan Chester Talton and Bishops Assistant Sergio Carranza and Robert Anderson, joined bishops of the six Episcopal dioceses of California in publicly opposing the measure.
Text of the bishop's statement follows.
I call upon Californians who supported Proposition 8 to make an honest and dedicated effort to learn more about the lives and experiences of lesbian and gay humanity whose constitutional rights are unfairly targeted by this measure. Look carefully at scriptural interpretations, and remember that the Bible was once used to justify slavery, among other forms of oppression.
It is important that we understand that we are a state that lives with freedom of religion - and freedom from religious oppression.
In my view, and in that of many Episcopalians, Proposition 8 is a lamentable expression of fear-based discrimination that attempts to deny the constitutional rights of some Californians on the basis of sexual orientation. It is only a matter of time before its narrow constraints are ultimately nullified by the courts and our citizens' own increasing knowledge about the diversity of God's creation.
Too often the road to justice is made deeply painful by setbacks such as Proposition 8, which nearly half of California voters rejected. But as our new President-elect has said, "...let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other."
J. Jon Bruno
Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles
6 comments:
This is one of the reasons we have left the Episcopal church. Every religion since the beginning of time has defined marriage as between a man and a woman. There is no bigotry at work here. The Episcopal church is out of step, not those of us who were once within the fold.
One more thought...After reading Jon Bruno's comments, I wondered what the Catholic church in LA was saying. This might be of interest to you:
I am grateful to the Catholic Community of Los Angeles for your commitment to the institution of marriage as fashioned by God and to work with such energy to enshrine this divine plan into our State’s Constitution.
The passage of Proposition 8 was the result of an unprecedented coalition of many Faith Communities and other citizens who understood the importance of maintaining the bedrock institution of marriage as has been lived out since recorded history.
The book of Genesis records clearly God’s plan for the human family: “The Lord God then built up into a woman the rib that he had taken from the man. When he brought her to the man, the man said ‘This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; This one shall be called ‘woman,’ for out of ‘her man’ this one has been taken. That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body.” (Genesis 2:22-24) Then, “God blessed them, saying: ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:28)
Our collective efforts in the support of Proposition 8 have centered solely around preserving God’s plan that marriage between one man and one woman is to be that unchanging reality through which their mutual love becomes fruitful through bringing forth children to continue the human family. The raising, formation, and education of these children is destined by God to take place within a traditional family of one father and one mother.
Proposition 8 is not against any group in our society. Its sole focus is on preserving God’s plan for people living upon this earth throughout time. The Catholic Church understands that there are people who choose to live together in relationships other than traditional marriage. All of their spiritual, pastoral, and civil rights should be respected, together with their membership in the Church.
How does anonymous II reconcile the fact that the biblical history of traditional marriage doesn't square with the Genesis account? But aside from that, if anonymous II will admit we are all created by one God, including Gays and Lesbians, what plan must God have had for our Gay and Lesbian brothers and sisters. By the way, will anonymous II and others agree with science that being homosexual is not a a matter of choice or circumstance but of creation? If anonymous II agrees with the separation of church and state how can they reconcile a statement that the state is supporting the maintenance of what some believe to be a sacrament. And finally what would anonymous II have to say about the equal treatment clauses of both the state and federal constitutions? Shall they just be ignored?
To Minstral:
There is no example in the Bible of gay marriage, is there? If the Bible is God-inspired, and God felt gay marriage was central, why would that be?
To your point about creation, and God having "made" gays and lesbians, of course I agree. All Gods children are special and to be loved. But that doesn't mean they should get married. God doesn't owe us a partner in marriage, does He? Don't you know heterosexuals who remain single because they haven't found the right person?
The vast majority of Christians, Muslims and Jews believe that marriage is designed by God to be between a man and a woman. The Episcopal church is off the mark and making this a central issue, taking its energies away from far bigger issues, like spreading Christianity.
By the way, I remain anonymous because I don't see an attitude of tolerance from those who opposed Proposition 8. A fair election was held and many are outside churches today protesting a democratic election and calling those who disagree with them bigots.
This isn't about equality. Even the President Elect opposes gay marriage. (Or at least he said so).
Minstral: Your point about anonymous II's view of church–state relations and marriage as a sacrament brings up an interesting issue. Perhaps the real problem is that the state co-opted a religious rite when it started regulating marriage. Maybe the solution is for the state to get out of the marriage business altogether, replacing it with civil unions, and let the religious institutions regulate the sacrament of marriage.
I am grateful to Bishop Bruno and Melissa McCarthy for their love and understanding. I grew up in the Methodist church. My husband and I raised our two children in the Methodist church. The church was our extended family. We thought that we would always find love and support there. And we do find love from many of our friends at the Ojai United Methodist church. Even our Bishop reaches out to us with love and support. But I did not see a sign of support to save the possibility of marriage for our son and the person that has changed his life through love.
It is good to know that the Episcopal Church is a loving, educated community. I may never attend my local Methodist Church again, but I know that God loves my son, and that Jesus would not deny him the love that he deserves.
Nanette Benbrook
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