A response to the members of the church opposing marriage equality from the heart of the mother of a gay child.
Deep within the heart of man you will find the face and hands of God. When that man or woman differs from us in appearance and/or belief, we have to look a little deeper. When opponents are willing to look deeper into the heart of another they will find their own reflection for God made us all in his image.
God is not a respecter of persons; he has no favorites. Jesus was sent to deliver that message. The gospel is that God loves all of us.
The hands of God work toward justice, equality, acceptance and reconciliation. Denying same-sex parents, their children and families equal access to the rights and benefits inherent to marriage is not God's handiwork.
Marriage is the union of hearts and minds. It is not limited to the union of bodies for the sake of procreation. It is a relationship of longlasting love and commitment encouraged and protected by society with benefits and responsibilities.
Our hearts and minds are not meant to be conflicted. Wisdom says look to the heart because that is where you will find God's face and hands.
Teresa Schmidt
President, Belleville Parents & Friends of
Lesbians and Gays
O'Fallon
