More Voting NO

From the Roanoke Times, Dr. John W. Priddy:

Judge not; rather, understand

Why would a straight, happily married father, a moderate evangelical mission-minded Baptist physician who usually votes Republican take this stand? I believe it’s what Jesus would have me to do, and yes, I love and read the Scriptures — through eyes of faith, in the discerning spirit of grace.

It may be easier to judge than to understand, but which is the right thing to do?

May the people of this great commonwealth rise above the political fray and once again take a stand for human rights, making history, reversing the worrisome trend of states that have turned their backs on their own.

Preston Moore and Jennifer Ryu, a husband-wife co-ministry team at the Williamsburg Unitarian Universalist church:

Respect the worth of each and every individual

In the present controversy, we ask ourselves, “who is our neighbor?” Our faith tradition gives us a clear, resounding answer: all people – with no one left out, no one belittled, no one cast outside the circle of blessing. We reach out to our gay brothers and sisters throughout Virginia as neighbors who are threatened by a law born of fear and hatred. And we reach out to you as neighbors, asking for your public declaration and your vote on November 7 – against the marriage amendment and in favor of values we can all embrace as sacred: the power of promising, the holiness of marriage, and the blessings that flow from loving our neighbors. Amen.

h/t to Blogging the Amendment.

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