It was with a heavy heart that I read the letter writer's response to the gay-marriage issue. As a Christian, I feel the need to address some of the points made in this letter.

I know of no data that has shown a positive correlation between homosexuality and crime, poverty, indulgence or vagrancy. I have not read of any society that has delved into moral ruin because of a preponderance of homosexuality within that culture.

Perhaps, we should focus on the rampant vulgarities on television and in music or the glorification of "moral ineptitude" by some of the role models for our children rather than pointing to a group of people whose only "crime" is loving someone of the same sex. In a society where pornography is available on the Internet, I find it difficult to point out homosexuality as the root cause of moral decay.

The "traditional" definition of family is ever-changing. For me, it means love, acceptance and support. I accept and even understand opinions that differ from mine. While I don't endorse the position of the church on homosexuality, I appreciate and respect its right to its views. However, I encourage people to read 1 Peter 4:8-9 ("above all, love each other deeply"), Matthew 5:9 ("blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God"), and 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 ("love is patient, love is kind").

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