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The following is an op-ed that several allied, Seattle-based pastors sent to the Seattle Times recently. Unfortunately, the Times refused to run the piece. Nonetheless, we think it is important and strong enough that you should see it. If you are so moved, you can send the text to the Seattle Times editorial board at [email protected], asking why they did not run it. If enough people do this, the Times may be forced to run the piece and at least the editorial board will begin to see the wave of backlash against the Seattle Times attack on Christians and the Christian Faith. The articles referred to are: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/a-blast-from-the-past-in-the-gay-rights-wars/ In any case, please share with family and friends. Thank you.
A couple of weeks ago, the Seattle Times published three articles which attacked and demeaned not just the faithful employees of CRISTA Ministries, a private Christian school, media, and human services organization located in Shoreline, but the faith of all Christians and Churches. CRISTA’s crime? Living and proclaiming the teachings of Jesus Christ on sex, marriage, and gender. From Jesus’ teachings, Christians understand that we are all sinners and are in need of God’s love, grace and forgiveness. We understand that we are called to love God, and to love our neighbor despite our neighbor’s faults and sins. Since loving our neighbor means looking out for their highest good, love requires us to promote and live heterosexual marriages and the biological lives of male and female because God created mankind to operate that way. In the Seattle Times coverage last week, the Times promoted disgruntled CRISTA employees, students, and parents who condemned and belittled CRISTA’s teachers and employees for these Christian beliefs. This article was not just local news, but appears to be promoting anti-Christian ideology by deliberately inserting it on the front page of the paper and making those who hold to Biblical beliefs out to be bigots and hate mongers. It would further appear that this is an attempt to punish and intimidate Christians in Washington State. Even worse, in another article, the Times highlighted the 32nd Legislative District Democrats censor and rebuke of Shoreline City council candidate David Chen, solely for being employed at CRISTA. The end result was that Chen quit his job and publicly condemned CRISTA. This is an ongoing pattern by media against those who believe and support Christian teachings and values. From Chef Howie, to quarterback Drew Brees, to now David Chen of CRISTA, we are seeing more and more folks being confronted and pressured by both the media and political groups to deny or disassociate from Christians and their Christian faith. Both the Washington State and the U.S. Constitution have a religious freedom clause. The Washington State constitution religious freedom clause reads as follows: “Absolute freedom of conscience in all matters of religious sentiment, belief and worship, shall be guaranteed to every individual, and no one shall be molested or disturbed in person or property on account of religion…” Art 1 Sec 11. The principle of marriage being between a man and a woman and the creation of man and women are sincerely held religious beliefs of the vast majority of Christians in the United States and throughout the world. And as a sincerely held religious belief, the teaching of it in Christian settings is protected under both the Washington State and U.S. Constitutions.
By simply teaching what societies throughout history have accepted for millennia, that marriage is between a man and a woman, cannot be said to be harmful to children or anyone for that matter. In fact, marriage between a man and a woman, have been the stabilizing force in our society to keep it growing and advancing. It is certainly not causing people to harm themselves. Without heterosexual marriage, societies would no longer exist. The Seattle Times as well as the Democrat leaders owe CRISTA and Mr. Chen an apology and they should stop attempting to interfere with and condemn religious organizations for simply teaching sincerely held religious views in the context of a religious school or church or in any other religious context. Sincerely, Harold Franklin, Pastor New Creation Christian Center
Jerry Owen Pastor Emmanuel Church, Bothell
Rev. Harvey Drake, Pastor Emerald City Bible Fellowship
Rev. Dr.Victor C. Langford III Pastor Saint Mark’s Lutheran Church
Randy Leskovar, Pastor Calvary Chapel West Seattle
Joe Fuiten
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