This commentary is by Rev. Devon Thomas, pastor of the Ascension Lutheran Church in South Burlington.
In my pastoral opinion, the lawsuit filed against the Vermont DCF by the Alliance Defending Freedom does not represent Christian values. This suit is a symptom of a very harmful historical alliance between conservative faith and political power. As a person of faith, I would not want the actions of the Alliance Defending Freedom to be confused with traditional Christian values.
The way Christian faith has been used over the years to repress individual freedom and to ignore the pain and struggle of LGBTQ+ people, in particular, is not representative of the gospel message at all.
I fully support religious freedom in this country; however, there is a difference between having the freedom to express religious beliefs and imposing them upon others. I believe this is the reason the Vermont DCF has chosen to revoke the foster care license of a Vermont couple, who, by their admission, hold religious beliefs that keep them from recognizing the difficulties many LGBTQ+ youth struggle with in our state.
The purpose of this letter is not to argue the DCF’s case, which should be left to the courts, but rather to challenge the ADF’s position that traditional Christianity sees LGBTQ+ people as sinners. I would put forward a counterargument that the Gospel condemns that very type of dogmatism as a sin against God.
Matthew 19:1-5 is a passage of scripture many dogmatic Christians use to justify heterosexual marriage. It is also the passage where Jesus challenges the social stigma against eunuchs and affirms their place in God’s realm (19:12). In this passage, Jesus rebukes his disciples for discouraging children from hearing him. He tells them, “Let the children come to me and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” (19:14).
Here, Jesus does not distinguish between who God’s children are. Jesus warns against sin, but is always aware that what is wrong and right is circumstantial. Jesus tells us the law does not define sin, hate defines sin. Jesus clearly warns his followers to avoid dogmatic beliefs, telling them not to get so hung up on laws and codes that they cannot love other people. Doing so is a greater sin.
I accept there are many interpretations of how best to love God and neighbor. However I reject, with full faith, that any human being or written document can communicate the fullness of God’s will. Good and evil will always be circumstantial. The idea that the Bible condemns LGBTQ+ people as sinful is rooted in uncompromising belief that keeps Christians from seeing they are wrong. That hardness of heart keeps the children of God from the love of God (Matt 19:14). It kills when we are told to heal (Mark 3:4). It is not traditional Christianity.
Christians do not need to agree with individuals to love and support them. If a person’s beliefs disallow them to support all types of children, then it is the DCF’s responsibility to deny their foster status. Vermont DCF’s primary responsibility is the well-being of the children in their care.
I do not believe the ADFs case reflects the message of Jesus Christ. I would further argue that the dogmatic teachings they believe to be traditionally Christian are a deviation from the message we see in the Gospel.
We are all entitled to our beliefs and opinions, and I would hope those who choose to inform themselves on what traditional Christianity has to say about our LGBTQ+ sisters and brothers choose to read the Gospel message for themselves.