How About the Church of the Flaming Rainbow?

Now that Arizona, California, and Florida each have added an amendment to their constitutions banning marriage between people of the same sex, why not stir the pot? How about we get the gays in our communities to establish their own religion? It should really be rather easy. Take the precepts (or rather the lack thereof) of some religion like Unity and add the provision that members of this church believe firmly that all unions of love are sacred and therefore blessed by the sacrament of marriage. How do you like them onions, all you Jesus Camp followers?

If we Americans hold that freedom of religion is one of the basics, won't all those stupid new marriage amendments interfere with such a church? Let's take this thing to the Supreme Court! As far back in the 16th and 17th centuries, Christianity has been subject to scrutiny and schism. Some fought about communion; others about Latin versus the vernacular. Still others disputed the nature of the trinity. Hell, some religions in this country are founded on a belief in snake charming, and don't even get me started on the ones that seem to be founded on hiding obscene and questionable profits behind the mask of religion. It seems to me that a dispute about the nature of love and marriage is a very valid reason for starting a new church. Why not create a new religion where all people really are created in God's likeness and are free to commit themselves in marriage to any other person regardless of gender?

I have several gay friends and at least one gay relative. Their ability to commit to a loving relationship that would be a suitable environment in which to raise a family is just as valid as anyone else's. My friends Rick and Robin have been together for more than twenty years. My daughter's friends Tony and Doug have been together just as long and are dying to have a family. In fact, they are willing to take children no one else wants and keep siblings together. My friend Pat has been with his partner Lee for more than thirty years. Lee is fading into the oblivion of Alzheimer's, and Pat refuses to put Lee in a home. He is devoted to Lee's care. I know many heterosexuals who won't do that! Don't these loving relationships deserve the grace of a marriage blessing?

Instead of joining organizations that support gay family members and friends, why don't all of us heteros join our gay friends and family members in the new Church of the Loving Light of God, a church that believes that love is precious wherever and with whomever it is found? Then, let's go to the courts. Let's see if this country really does practice what it preaches to the rest of the world about democracy.

And Rush dear, (bless your cold, dried-up, hypocritical little heart) go suck an egg -- you and the horse you rode in on.