Whether or not to attend lesbian marriage
What should my response be as a Christian to an invitation to the marriage of an atheist niece and her lesbian partner? I have begun praying daily for her and her family, but I don't know how to respond to this invitation. Should I go? Is this the time to speak up about our belief that it is a sin or do I make an excuse? I don't want to be cruel and turn her further from God.
I am very thankful that you are including your niece and her partner in your prayers and intercessions. Continue to do so as you seek opportunities to share biblical truths and your convictions with her or them.
Whether you accept the invitation to this so-called wedding or marriage event is not the most important thing. To attend or not to attend is not something essentially right or wrong in itself. What is important is WHY you choose to attend or not attend and how you communicate with your niece and her friend your decision and its motives. You want to share your convictions, courteously inform your niece of your disapproval of her lifestyle choice and affirm your love for her as your niece and fellow human being. Let her know (if you attend the event) that you are pleased to be there to remain on communicating terms for the sake of showing love and hoping that future dialog might take place. Or say (if you choose not to attend) you appreciated being invited, wrestled with the best way to exhibit love and defend truth at the same time, and ultimately chose not to attend -- but will continue to intercede and be of help to her if future opportunities arise.
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