In Theory:

I applaud this move because it indicates that the Episcopal Church and the nation is starting to grow up. Now all we have to do is help other religious institutions grow out of their adolescent nature and, once and for all, end this ridiculous discrimination against same-sex marriage. Contrary to the worn-out rhetoric and the barrage of fear-mongering ads, same-sex marriage poses no threat to our society or to the idea of family values. In fact, the only threat we have to observe is the radical political rancor that incites violence and hate. Discrimination is not a religious tradition; it is a political distinction that casts a shadow of fear upon all of us. It’s time for the light to overcome the darkness. It’s time we were set free to live a life of peace and love.

Pastor Jim Turrell

Costa Mesa

I am glad the Zen Buddhist tradition does not make specific statements about the morality of gay or straight sex. The precept “do no harm” is a sufficient and wholesome ethical guideline. While religious groups waste time and money on “pelvic politics,” more serious issues (for example, malnutrition, nuclear warfare or illiteracy) are neglected.

Pioneers, prophets, visionaries and reformers — all those who call for renewal, change and progress — believe they are being deeply faithful to their tradition, not violating it. Not so long ago, many Christians believed the Bible supported slavery and segregation, based upon faulty scriptural scholarship as well as harmful social norms. Some religious groups still do not ordain women and use tradition as a pretext.

Fortunately, most Christian denominations are examining freshly their teachings about sexuality. If sexual expression between persons of the same sex is a moral option, then it makes no sense to refuse to allow gay clergy to serve at all levels of leadership. I believe that more and more religious groups will find that their traditions do uphold the universal dignity of all persons, regardless of sexual orientation.

The Rev. Dr. Deborah Barrett

Zen Center of Orange County

Change is life! To this truth, President Kennedy added, “And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” We do well to pray to be ready to give up what we are at any given moment for who we are becoming in God’s gift of future.

For both individuals and institutions, it takes wisdom and courage to move beyond the familiar and seemingly secure and embrace what is new, to understand that what is “new” is only “new” to us, to find security in the adventurous and exciting and to be aware that in movement there is life and in change there is power. As Bob Dylan sang on “Bringing It All Back Home,” “(one) not busy being born is busy dying.”

Society, community, family and church are all conserving institutions; they keep change slow, day-by-day. Change does not necessarily assure progress, but progress implacably requires change. Education for envisioning is essential but, as Edwin Friedman writes, “The colossal misunderstanding of our time is the assumption that insight will work with people who are unmotivated to change.”

For me, motivation to change comes from God, who is at the center of changes in creation and history. Through all, God is God. As an ancient prayer has it, “ . . . that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this life may rest in your eternal changelessness” (Book of Common Prayer, page 133). Only God is changeless. Life is change!

The Very Rev.’d Peter Haynes

Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church