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Dear Inner Circle,
Our politicians well know that if they issued a postal vote on the question of ‘capital punishment’, many of the people would prefer we return to the dark ages. Thankfully, this issue doesn’t dominate us and divide us because a prior generation of politicians exercised leadership. No matter the result of our current exercise on marriage equality, I suspect we’ll pay a high price and suffer divisions and hurt that will linger for years.
At best, this exercise will tell our leaders how we feel, as if that were a sure guide to the right decision. Remember it was democracy that killed Socrates. A jury of 500 citizens found by clear majority that Socrates was worthy of death. A win for the democratic process deprived the world of its finest and clearest voice.[vc_row columns_on_tablet=”keep” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″][vc_column h_text_align=”left” h_text_align_mobile=”left” v_align=”v-align-middle” use_background=”” width=”1/1″][tm_image image_id=”247″ link_image=”none” textarea_html_bkg_color=”#ffffff” caption_type=””][/tm_image][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row columns_on_tablet=”keep” padding_top=”50″ padding_bottom=”50″][vc_column h_text_align=”left” h_text_align_mobile=”left” v_align=”v-align-middle” use_background=”” width=”1/1″][tm_textblock textarea_html_bkg_color=”#ffffff”]
Not all who oppose this change are bigots, homophobes or even remotely religious. Not all who want the change are anti-religious or take any joy from merely overturning age old traditions. This is not a contest between lovers and haters but a cultural shift whose origins lie in a web of unnoticed or forgotten drifts in this highly fluid world of ours. People of good will are on both sides of the fence we are building.
For years, I’ve suggested we abolish the Marriage Act. I’ve had occasion to express this view in front of Prime Ministers and other movers and shakers but mostly all I get is a chuckle. I propose that we be equally free rather than equally bound. OK, I get that people need to be legally bound to each other and that it is important for things like inheritance. At minimum, I would separate the Church from this function of the State. People should make whatever legal arrangements they want according to law and if some feel that their marriage is a sacrament, they should then go to a church to celebrate the event in a context where such things are celebrated.
My worry is that our present exercise will divide us and hurt a lot of people and leave many bewildered. My advice is to make sure you’re registered to vote; have at least one discussion with someone you love who holds a different view; vote according to your conscience; look after each other.
A fellow had been waiting at the front door this morning, looking for an opportunity to see me before anyone else. He just wanted to tell me he’d been free of drink for some months and was enjoying life. In our café, generally at least two things happen at once. While this guy was giving me his good news story, another fellow was telling me that he was terminal, riddled with cancer. He was thankful that he’d had a couple of years sober and in that time had helped his daughter fund her singing lessons. He said that his last wish is for his daughter to sing “Hallelujah” at his funeral.
Thanks for being part of our inner circle,
Graham
Rev Graham Long AM
CEO & Pastor
The Wayside Chapel
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