Letter to the Editor: City Leaders, Community Should Oppose Natatorium Gay Marriage Issue

Editor's note: The following was submitted by Chris McCombs, the Pastor of in Cuyahoga Falls. 

REASONS TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE THE SOCIAL INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE:

This is not personal, but about principle. This is more about what we stand for, than what we stand against.

No one is attempting to take away another person’s rights or freedoms. No one is telling another person how they can live or not live. No one is denying anyone access to patron any establishment in our community.

The social institution of marriage in civilization and in our society has always been understood to be one man and one woman. Marriage is for the purposes of procreation, establishing family and perpetuating community. I am asking this board to please not get sucked into this social agenda that has been pushed upon us or attempt to find a way to skirt around this matter by giving gay marriage a different title. I hope you will have the courage to make the right decision for the good of our community by protecting and preserving the social institution of marriage.

• The State of Ohio’s Constitution clearly defines marriage. To not recognize that is a violation of the law. That should be the end of it. That is the law. Several years ago, our State had the foresight to make the definition of marriage an amendment to the Constitution. Our State did this for a reason – to establish guidelines and protect the social institution of marriage from situations such as this.
• The city is fiscally responsible for the operation of the . The Natatorium currently operates in the black. The Mayor’s position has been big on this point. We would be wise to heed his advice.  
• Historically, the social institution of marriage and sexual preference has remained separated. Since the dawn of civilization, marriage has been understood as one man and one woman. We need to honor the institution of marriage that has preserved mankind in our community and throughout history.
• Religious reasons for not redefining marriage come from our U.S. Constitution. We have freedom of religion, not freedom from religion in our nation. Our religious views have merit in our public discourse. In expressing religious views, we are engaging our government, holding them morally accountable. Additionally, all five major world religions as a whole do not condone gay relationships as a form of marriage (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism).  

As a pastor in our great city, I am obligated to stand up for my God, congregation and community for what is right. Although I have not made my faith or the Scriptures a major part of my argument, they are extremely important to me and to many others in this community. Again, this is not about what we are against, but what we are for…marriage! According to the Scriptures, God is the designer and definer of marriage. I am here to proclaim His view of marriage as best for our community. I have done my best to present this truth from a logical perspective. 

I thank you for your service, thank you for listening to me and thank you for your time.

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