Is it wrong for a church to give out a form letter to its members to send to their representatives?
Question:
I received a church bulletin with a sample letter to be sent to Senators and Representatives demanding the defeat of the Respect for Marriage Act since it broadens the definition of marriage beyond one man and one woman. Although I agree with the content of it, I am of the opinion that it is not a work of the church and should not be published in a bulletin. Am I missing something?
Answer:
Not really. Form letters don't do much anyway. What I don't like is the implied assumption that government can define what is or is not marriage. We would like that our government's laws correspond with God's teachings, but it is God, not man, who defines marriage.
Christians should take stands regarding what is the truth. "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (I Peter 3:15). That would include letting our rulers know what is right and wrong. "And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you" " (Acts 24:24-25).
It would be proper to let people know what laws are being discussed that have moral implications in the life of a Christian. Christians should be informed of exactly what is wrong with a particular law and can be encouraged to let those representing them know what they think. But I would not be inclined to put words in anyone's mouth.
