In response to Mr. Finnegan's letter published July 10, I must point out that marriage is a contract. The license is issued by the state, not the church.
This license then allows a married couple over 1,000 tax breaks and rights. Marriage was never a church function until the 1200s and our founding church elders did not perform weddings, the magistrate did.
With regard to parenting, newer studies show that gay parents are often more committed to their parenting because they have made a very conscience choice to become parents. These children are often heterosexual, as sexual orientation is not a choice as Mr. Finnegan suggests.
If Mr. Finnegan would like to be married in the church only, I would welcome him and his wife giving up their state-given rights and having to pay all the extra costs of taxes, health insurance, legal fees to cover proxies, etc.
Reb. Deeya Roberts
Lake Zurich
