You may have noticed the lawn signs which sprouted recently at several Catholic churches—Immaculate Conception in Jackson, and St. Mary’s and St. Vincent’s in Cape Gurardeau. The signs say “Respect Religious Freedom” and “Defend the First Amendment.”
Mark Loos of Cape Girardeau posted the signs shortly after the June 26 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that all states must recognize same-sex marriages.
Loos held a ‘Freedom to Bear Witness Rally’ July 3 at Freedom Corner where the Statue of Liberty stands in Cape’s Capaha Park.
“Last Friday’s Supreme Court decision on marriage was a political – not a judicial – act!” Loos told those at the rally. “This decision wasn’t just about civil marriage. The opinion of the Court also touched on the topic of religious freedom.
“Practicing Christians that are exercising their faith, are now the ones on trial. The Court’s opinion opens the way to a persecution of the church. Pastors/priests may be told that they must perform same-sex ‘marriages.’ Christian churches, businesses and institutions may be forced to provide reception space for same-sex couples. Christian photographers, caterers, bakers, tailors, and other places of business may all be forced to choose between rendering service to same-sex couples or permanently closing up shop.…
“Thankfully the First Amendment guarantees the freedom to ‘exercise’ religion, which was not the word the Court majority used. Some believe much behind this same-sex marriage debate is about silencing the church, so that the church will have little effect on the culture of the future.…
“Now, because of the Court’s ruling, our religious freedom is more in danger than ever before.…
“The religions of…Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and Islam all define marriage as between a man and wo-man. The Supreme Court last Friday rejected their beliefs. But faithful people must repeat early and often that, in America, we still have the right to exercise our faith. When Christians fail to uphold marriage, society crumbles.…
How do we regain the social norm of a family-oriented society?…
“What we have to do is go from two percent active Christians exercising their faith up to 90 percent! They have to make a personal choice to teach the truth every day; in public, at work, at home, in school, in the store, etc.
“We have to use the tools the opposition used. Where are the Christian film makers? Where are the Christian businesses? Where are the Christian media, both social and public? Where are the Christian politicians? Where are the Christian professors? All these are few and mostly underground. We have to raise them up and support them in the public; support them in our speech and financially.…
“Thousands of hearts can be changed by just one great pro-family movie, TV ad, or political speech. The church also has to unite and speak boldly from the pulpit to all believers and help form the new 90 percent of active Christians! Encourage all those you encounter to become active, practicing Christians.…
“So the question of today is, do we have the right to bear witness? We are doing it right now, today, but in neighboring Canada, which has same-sex marriage, if you say or write anything questioning same-sex marriage, you could face discipline, termination of employment or prosecution by the government!
“So, will our government allow these new movies, ads, Christian businesses promoting Christian thought, Christians speaking out at work, bold pastoral pulpit speaking, and so forth? Will the government let us promote our Christian agenda or will they suppress and marginalize us?
“Our country was formed on Christian principles. Let us not be afraid to boldly proclaim publicly objective Christian truths! Let us remind the Court that religious freedom rights are constitutional — unlike the new right to same-sex marriage.”
