Christian Theological Seminary announces formal opposition to amendment
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (news) – Indiana clergy and faith leaders today delivered a letter to lawmakers in opposition to HJR-6, which would permanently alter the Indiana Constitution to define marriage and would remove existing protections under law for same-sex and unmarried couples.
Freedom Indiana joined with the Interfaith Coalition on Non-Discrimination (ICON) to deliver the letter, which has been signed by more than 300 faith leaders across the state.
“We are Indiana clergy, leaders of faith communities, and other religious professionals. Our backgrounds and those of the people we serve vary widely. Our views on marriage differ. But we speak with one voice to oppose amending the Indiana Constitution to define marriage,” the letter reads.
Freedom Indiana board of directors president Rick Sutton, an ICON board member, said the letter represents diverse faith voices united on the issue of HJR-6.
“We know that people of different faith traditions do not recognize one definition of marriage, but everyone who signed this letter believes our Constitution is not the proper place to have this conversation, “Sutton said.
In addition to the presentation of the letter, Dr. Matthew Boulton, president of Christian Theological Seminary, also announced that CTS is formally opposed to HJR-6. CTS is a fully accredited ecumenical graduate school that offers eight graduate-level degree programs rooted in biblical scholarship, theological openness and spiritual discernment.
A copy of the letter is available online:
http://www.iconin.org/legislative-letters/opposition-to-a-constitutional-amendment-defining-marriage/
EVENT SPEAKERS
Rick Sutton, Freedom Indiana and ICON Board Member
Rev. Melody Merida, ICON Chair
Rev. Felipe N. Martinez, Whitewater Valley Presbytery
Dr. Matthew Myer Boulton, president, Christian Theological Seminary.
ICON is an organization of people of faith dedicated to protecting LGBT Hoosiers with a particular focus on lack of acceptance of God’s diversity. The organization’s purpose is to create positive change through education and social action so that gay, lesbian, bisexual, intersexed and transgendered people will be able to live in peace and equality. More information: http://www.iconin.org.
