Throughout the history of our movement, Christianity has had to take hard stands on tough issues that are often accepted in the lands around us. This difficulty was no less of a struggle for ancient Israel. As they marched into lands who served gods unlike their own, who had customs unlike their own, and embraced immoral sexual relationships unlike their own, God repeatedly sent His messengers to remind His people to stay their course. Regardless of how unpopular it became or how difficult it was, God’s people, both then and now, are called to live their lives differently. We do not detest the people who are unlike us; we detest the wicked, immoral, and destructive acts they engage in.
While there are many areas where Christianity and the current acceptable practices of our culture clash, none is more on the forefront than is the issue of homosexuality. As a local body of believers, we scripturally and fundamentally find the practice of homosexuality to be sin. Holding the Word of God as authoritative in our lives, we find multiple references denouncing this perversion of God’s design for the family and perpetuation of humanity (Lev. 20:13; Rom. 1:18-32; 1 Cor. 6:9; 1 Tim. 1:10).
Understanding this, please read closely the following commitments we hold as a local body:
- We scripturally and fundamentally love people. Regardless of one’s activity, we love people. This does not mean we condone their activities or sinful lifestyles. It does mean we are as committed to the inmate as we are the elderly saint among us. We love people regardless of their activities.
- We scripturally and fundamentally disagree with sin. Be it homosexuality, adultery, lying, drunkenness, lust, or pride, according to Scripture we must disdain sin’s activity. Beyond the type of sin, we disagree with its presence in all people’s lives, whether they are in our fellowship or across the world. Again, we love the people but disagree with sin.
- We scripturally and fundamentally disapprove of laws that condone sin and have the potential to affect an entire nation. In the matter of homosexuality, we strongly oppose the passing of a bill accepting civil union just as we would oppose a law that would legalize drugs for those who are addicted or the acceptance of sexual deviations for a pedophile. Our disapproval is consistent and not sexual, gender, racial, or sin specific.
Recognizing these core commitments, we are now called to action in our own state and community. We stand to respond to the following:
Currently, the Hawaii Senate Judiciary Committee is holding a bill that is considering the legalization of “civil unions“. This bill, known as Hawaii Bill 444 (HB444), seeks to license “same-sex” couples to enter into a legal union, which “shall have all the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities under law… as are granted to spouses in a marriage…” Despite the expressed concern of the people of Hawaii in the “marriage amendment” ratified in 1998, which clearly states the legislature has “the power to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples“, the Senators have before them a bill that if passed would overrule the will of Hawaii’s people.
To be clear, this bill is not about benefits. For the Reciprocal Beneficiaries (RB) Act allows for benefits to those outside of “traditional” marriages. In this same act, “the legislature finds that the people of Hawaii choose to preserve the tradition of marriage as a unique social institution based upon the committed union of one man and one woman.” Furthermore, this bill only applies to individuals of the same-sex.
For those who were with us on Sunday, you will recall that I gave a rather weak disapproval to HB444. There are two primary reasons for my less than dogmatic response:
- I have a very difficult time marrying politics and the church. In an extremely political environment, Jesus sought not to usher in another political kingdom. Instead, He focused on the transformation of individuals. In our volatile political environment, many over zealous religious responses do more damage than good for the Kingdom and the cause of Christ. Thus, I seek to be a responsible doer versus a loud blabber.
- I did not understand the significance of this bill. From the media attention given and focus of discussion, I perceived HB444 as a “benefits” bill. However, after an informative meeting yesterday and taking the time to read this 8 page bill, it is clear this bill is written specifically as a homosexual marriage agenda. Given the legal rights and benefits of “traditional marriages“, it is clear the next step will be for the agenda to find it’s way into other areas, such as our educational system.
Recognizing the significance of this bill and our scriptural and fundamental beliefs, I am now writing to encourage the body of Christ, specifically the Hilo Church of God, to vehemently oppose HB444. Listed below is a plan of action for responding responsibly, scripturally, and lovingly. Please take a moment, follow the links where applicable, and follow-through as a concerned believer and citizen. Much is at stake.
- Pray. Our battle is not fleshly but spiritual. We are not standing to argue with men, but are battling a much larger battle than mere flesh and blood. Prayer is the key to preparing our hearts to speak and the hearts of men to receive.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Eph. 6:12
- Speak out. Prayer is key, but we also need to voice our concerns to those who represent us. It has already been shown that minds are being changed by the response of the community of faith. Through prayer and dialogue, some who were supportive of the bill have changed their views this week.
For those of us in Hilo, our Senator is Dwight Y. Takamine. We believe that he is a supporter of the bill. Please use kindness, respect, and dignity when sharing your beliefs. In all manners of communication, always state your address. Begin by expressing appreciation for his service, recognizing the delicate and stressful decisions they are facing in all areas of their business. Then politely, but firmly express your concern. While we wholeheartedly disagree scripturally, refrain from quoting a barrage of scriptures. For those who do not believe the Word of God to be authoritative, it is merely quoting opinion and often enables defensive responses and closed minds. The precedence of the “marriage amendment“, mentioned above, is a solid, legal, and democratic argument that must not be violated. To do so, crumbles the entire democratic process. After sharing, respectfully commit to pray for Sen. Takamine and his colleagues.
Here are three ways you can speak your voice:
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- Phone. Call your Senator’s office repeatedly. Not harassingly, but consistently.
Example: “ Good morning. This is _____________ (your name). I live on _____________ (street) in______________ (city). Please let Senator Takamine know that I strongly oppose all bills related to Civil Unions including, but not limited to HB 444, SB 458 and HB 878. I would like to encourage him to protect traditional marriage and say “NO” to civil unions. Just as a reminder, the people of Hawaii have already spoken overwhelmingly against same-sex marriage. Thank you very much.”
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- Email. Send an email to your Senator. Consider personalizing and customizing the following example.
Example: “ Aloha. This is _____________ (your name). I live on _____________ (street) in______________ (city). I am writing to let Senator Takamine know that I strongly oppose all bills related to Civil Unions including, but not limited to HB 444, SB 458 and HB 878. I would like to encourage him to protect traditional marriage and say “NO” to civil unions. Just as a reminder, the people of Hawaii have already spoken overwhelmingly against same-sex marriage. Thank you very much.”
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- Letter. Again, take the information given within this email and the examples above and personalize your response opposing this bill.
- Pass this information along. Please get the word out to everyone you know, especially in the Hilo/Hamakua district.
Below you will find the respective Senators for the Big Island. In addition, please note the addition of the Senate President and Senate Judiciary Chair. Both of these individuals need to hear our voice as well.
Senator Dwight Takamine
(Hilo, Honoka’a, Laupahoehoe, Hamuka, Waiakea Uka, Keaukaha, Waimea)
Toll-Free: (808) 974-4000 ext. 67335
Email: sentakamine@capitol.hawaii.gov
Senator Russell Kokubun
(Waiakea Uka, Kalapana, Volcano, Puna, Kahuku)
Toll-Free: (808) 974-4000 ext. 66760
Email: senkokubun@capitol.hawaii.gov
Senator Josh Green, M.D.
(North & South Kohala, North & South Kona)
Toll-Free: (808) 974-4000 ext. 69385
Email: sengreen@capitol.hawaii.gov
Senator Colleen Hanabusa (Senate President)
Toll-Free: (808) 974-4000 ext. 67793
Email: senhanabusa@capitol.hawaii.gov
Senator Brian Taniguchi (Senate Judiciary Chair)
Toll-Free: (808) 974-4000 ext. 66460
Email: sentaniguchi@capitol.hawaii.gov
Thank you for reading this response. May you prayerfully respond to this important issue facing our state. If you have questions, please feel free to call upon me.
Sincerely,
Allen
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