This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
With three more states now allowing gay marriages (and Illinois, New Jersey and Rhode Island perhaps joining California at the Supreme Court soon), gay couples who are out and committed are a fact, even in religious, red Utah.
To Mormons and Catholics who so adamantly oppose evil gay marriage (and some who oppose gays in general), take to heart this teaching of Jesus:
"Love your enemies, bless them … do good to them …. That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye?" (Matthew 5:44-46)
In that spirit, invite a gay couple over to dinner. Learn about their lives. Ask about their romance, as you would a straight couple. Take the initiative in furthering love and understanding.
Ditto for gay couples.
Invite over the self-righteous neighbor who condemns gay marriage. St. Paul's admonition applies to all:
"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse" (Romans 12:14).
A lot of goodwill may be created with such outreach.
Adrian Turner
Salt Lake City