Lutheran Pastors support Referendum 74

As we wrap up week of highlighting faith leaders in Washington who support the freedom to marry, we’re honored to share personal statements from two Lutheran pastors who are voting to approve Referendum 74 because of – not in spite of – their faith. We thank these courageous leaders for giving voice to the countless people of faith around the state who believe that all Washingtonians should be free to marry the person they love.

Erik Wilson Weiburg is the Pastor at Ballard First Lutheran Church and says that this election is cause to celebrate love:

“Fear is the great enemy of faith. It can freeze us where we stand and prevent us from doing the right thing. “Be not afraid!” Is one of the Bible’s favorite challenges. Had the Israelites given into their fears, the Egyptians might have overtaken them. Had Mary succumbed to fear, who knows how the course of history might have been altered?  This is a moment to celebrate faith in our gracious God; faith in the One who authors love and commands us to love one another.  So, be not afraid. Celebrate love. Vote for marriage equality, approve Ref. 74.”

For a Lutheran Pastor from Renton, WA, venturing into the political sphere isn’t typical.  But he and his wife knew that they needed to speak up for what is right and share with their family and friends why they’ve voting to approve Referendum 74:

“We tend to go quietly about our political business.  We vote in every election but you are not likely to find us posting campaign signs in our yard, signing petitions for causes we believe in or marching in parades as a demonstration of our support.  Going public with our support of R-74 is outside of our norm.  We are going public because we believe the time is right for the community at large to hear the voices of those in the Christian faith community who believe that the morally right and loving thing to do is to defend the right of civil marriage for loving, committed same- sex couples.”

You can read more about faith leaders who are speaking out in support of marriage equality by clicking here.