Barry Clemons, writing in the July 10 edition, may have begun his letter by noting some of the words that he might say whenever he attends church services (“Going from apathy to dependence,” page A5, July 10 Herald). For example, “Forgive me Lord, for I have sinned against you in thought, word and deed …”

He might have noted the belief that God has made all men in His image of dust and with a breath living.

He might have noted that the word “homosexual” in any contemporary sense of it came into English circa 1890s and that the Greek word(s) do not entirely cover the modern sense.

He might even have gone so far as to note that any belief in any form of religious view of existence is a choice. But one’s gender is not a choice. Nor is one’s sexual orientation. Nor is skin pigmentation or lack thereof.

There is agreement in America that marriage is regulated by a state, not by a church, and that the relationship of state and church is protected without giving the church any road to ascendancy. Our Declaration of Independence affirms that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are from the Creator — but that those created rights are protected by government.

The idea of same-sex marriage was introduced, I  believe, in the State of Hawaii. That act was followed by federal legislation preventing recognition of such a marriage and various state acts to prevent such marriages or the recognition of any. But immediately upon approval in Massachusetts of same-sex marriage, every negative law became unconstitutional.

The full resolution of the issue is complete in 2015. Not a single church nor a single Christian (nor married Christian) has been harmed in coming to this conclusion.

Mr. Clemons may find satisfaction in recalling the words “… with liberty and justice for all.” Perhaps even the words, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Mike Hattrick
Poulsbo