Miss California Speaks

Members of my family sometimes take pleasure in teasing me about my lack of awareness about large events in popular culture. Perhaps what surprised me most about Miss California's statement disapproving gay marriage was learning that there was still a Miss USA pageant at all. I thought we were done with those. And then I was surprised to hear that Donald Trump was somehow in the picture. I thought he just did the occasional offensive reality TV show these days. I don't keep up with stuff.

Actually, Miss California's words reflect the ambivalence that I have heard expressed by many people. On the one hand she says that she is glad there is freedom. On the other hand, she feels some basic loyalty to some traditions in which she feels rooted. She does not want to be disrespectful, but does not see a way not to be. Perhaps this is actually a sign that a teachable moment is on the horizon for all of us.

I am a United Methodist pastor. My denomination disapproves of gay marriage. I disagree with the denomination's position. There is much to be said about the theological, moral, and cultural dimensions surrounding the disagreements we are struggling with as we attempt to find our way forward as a denomination.

Likewise our national political and social conflict around gay marriage requires the difficult work of engaging with the realities of our hopes and fears, our prejudice and our patience, our compassion and our courage. As in any great struggle the temptation to exclude and condemn is very great. My prayer is that in both the process by which we move forward and the result that is obtained, that we will find creative ways to honor and respect both the public and private bonds that connect us with one another.