Letter: Grace should be extended to all people

To the editor,

There is a push under way in Minnesota to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman. This action has been introduced by some in the religious community as a premise to uphold the sanctity of marriage. Proponents are attempting to make this a religious issue by forcing their beliefs upon others, when in fact, this is a state issue. It goes back to the very heart of American government: separation of church and state. The constitution of Minnesota is a set of laws governing secular activities and should remain a governing document that is fair for all, not just a segment of Minnesotans.

While I agree that marriage is a special union between two people and blessed by the church, I have a hard time balancing the fact that good Christians are pushing to limit the civil rights of their neighbors, friends, sisters and brothers.

A civil union between two people affords basic rights that would otherwise be denied because of a prejudice. It happened in the days of African American struggles and even earlier with the right to vote for all women.

I believe that all people should have access to the same benefits and legalities within the state of Minnesota. All people should have the right to pass assets to a spouse, own a home jointly and be able to insure their dependent spouse and children on a medical insurance plan. I also firmly believe that Christians should extend grace to all other peoples, not just the ones who believe in the same ideas. John F, Kennedy said, “I believe in an America where Catholics, Protestants and Jews ... will refrain from those attitudes of disdain and division which have so often marred their works in the past, and promote instead the American ideal of brotherhood.” (JFK speech to Greater Houston Ministerial Association, Sept. 1960)

Terry Shimizu

Hastings

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