Fast is risking crash and slow will reach the safe goal.”
I am a great believer in this title motto and have derived it from the author Steven Covey who says “Fast is Slow and Slow is Fast”. In saying this Covey speaks of the importance of not rushing major decisions but of taking time to take into consideration all the options and their consequences and then to come to a decision.
The push to change the definition of Marriage seemed to be so rushed at one stage. On one side by those possibly with an opportunist agenda and couching the debate in terms of equal rights and accusing those with reasons for concerns of bigotry and threatening rights and those on the other extreme who hold and express bigoted attidudes towards people of same sex attraction. The media seems to be most interested in the extremes and the sensationalism from both which seem to incite fear and accusations while also drowning out the essential chance for a clear exchange of facts and principles for the balanced rights and long term good of all.
After my research so far, I believe, especially to non-religious audiences, our approach should be to expressing our points and principles in ways that calm the fears and anger on both sides as much as possible and promotes “fair rights” and dignity for all, including same sex couples, balanced with the” full rights of children”. And because of the necessity to always strive for the “full rights of children” and to prevent the collateral confusion that will flow on from a change of definition we express the opinion to leave Marriage unchanged.
So it is about “fair rights” for all which, same sex couples mostly have already under Australian law for their relationship and respecting the “full rights” of children’s including the right to a biological Dad and Mum. In reality there is no such thing as equal rights for everyone to everything; for instance a 15 year old person in Australia can’t get married and siblings can’t marry each other and so on.
So always remember this method of Love and compassion followed by a respectful sharing of the Truth in communication and dialogue in all of our relationships and situations as this is following the model Jesus gives us in ministry and teaching.
So with next Sundays 2pm National Rally to support Traditional Marriage we need to be ready to rally in a spirit of Love and for those who hold different points of view to respond with Love and then respectfully share the Truth calmly with principles and facts. Very importantly ask the Holy Spirit to equip you with words of love and truth. If someone does not respond in the same respectful spirit don’t react just give them space and let them be.
Good Websites to equip you with good points in discussions are MARRIAGE EQUALS.com.au and MARRIAGEALLIANCE.com.au
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if, being the last English speaking country in the world still to change the definition of Marriage, Australia lead the best way showing that Fast is risking crash/collision while Slow will bring about a third better option that leaves Marriage for what is best for children.
And let’s remember the power of Prayer and last weeks Homily Point ”How we Pray is How we Live!”
A Blessed Feast of the Cross to All.
