Most people
know that not all Christians agree with the positions Michael
Heath and the Christian Civic League take on a number of issues.
The current controversy is Question 1 on the Nov. 8 ballot,
which asks if voters want to reject the new Maine law that will
protect people from discrimination based on their sexual
orientation.
The Christian Civic League, which urges a "Yes" vote, comprises
about 55 member churches, mostly Baptist. The Maine Council of
Churches, which supports a "No" vote, represents about 600
churches and a number of different denominations. One MCC
member, however, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, is
remaining neutral.
Now comes State Rep. Stan Moody, D-Manchester, who also happens
to be a Baptist minister with a doctorate in theology from
Trinity Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books
including "Crisis in Evangelical Scholarship" (ACW Press,
Phoenix, 2001). The Rev. Moody recently formed a think tank with
an evangelical perspective as a counterbalance to the Christian
Civic League.
The Rev. Moody thinks the League's effort to deny equal rights
in housing and employment for gays and lesbians is one example
of how it has put divisive politics ahead of the basic doctrines
of the Christian faith.
"The cornerstone of the Christian life is love of God and
wanting for our neighbor the best of what we want for ourselves,
regardless of our neighbor's lifestyle," he said in a press
release.
Fortunately, a very many Christians would say, "Amen to that!
