Greetings and Salutations; I am sorry to see the several posts from folks that believe that this decision is the end of the world. That smacks of a worrisome distrust in the power of God to bring good to the world... As for the subject at hand, I respect the reasoned argument presented by Rev. Day in the position paper. I do not, though, completely agree with it. While it is true enough that in a perfect world, a family would have a mother and a father and one or two children, and, those children would be reared in a loving home, where the parents work to instill good, Christian values in them, as well as an inquiring mind, and a willingness to respect the beliefs of others, even when those beliefs are different. However, the world is an imperfect place. I believe I do not have to rehash all of the circumstances and actions that pollute, pervert and sully that perfect society, and, add hate and evil to the world, instead of love. As for the issue of sex...does the church REALLY still believe that the only reason for two people to marry is to produce more little Lutherans? If that is the case, then there are millions of people out there who are apparently sinning, since they have either made the decision not to reproduce, or, are unable to do so. Rather, i would suggest that marriage is a union of two souls that exists to create an entity that is stronger than the sum of its parts. In a good marriage, the weaknesses of one partner are balanced by the strengths of the other. partner. the LGBT community exists, and, has been a fairly constant percentage of the population for as long as records exist. America, which has a Constitutional mandate to treat all citizens equally has, for many years, discriminated against the LGBT community by denying it the benefits and responsibilities that marriage brings. It is, in a real sense, no different than the owning of slaves and the shameful way that America treated Blacks for too many decades. This was a situation that should not, and, as it proved, could not stand on a Federal level. Now, unless we forget, or ignore this, the fact is that this change does not force Churches to perform Marriages as the religious act it can be. It does not even force all states to practice or respect the contract. Let me give you an example of what WILL happen now... We have an LGBT couple that has lived in a supportive, monogomous relationship that they have sealed with marriage in a state that allowed it, for, say, 30 years. One partner falls seriously ill, and, is hospitalized, and is in a coma. Up to now, the partner would not have even been allowed into the hospital room in many facilities. The partner's family is notified, and, the person that shows up is a brother who has not seen the man for 30+ years and hates LGBT folks. Now...if you were that man in the bed, who would you rather have making decisions on your care? The family member that you have not seen for decades and hates everything you stand for and do in your life? Or the faithful partner who has lived with you for that time, and helped you through the highs and lows of life? I know which I would rather have making that decision... Pleasant dreams; Dave Mundt