June 29, 2015

On Being Christian and Offering Services to the General Public

I see that more and more Christians are being fined or threatened for refusing to serve same-sex wedding ceremonies. I suspect we will only see more as Windsor and Obergefell give legal ammunition to such suits, and more laws are passed pursuant to those decisions.

DISCLAIMER: While discussing legal themes, this is not intended to be legal advice. Christians would be well-advised to seek out a lawyer in their jurisdiction prior to taking actions consistent with the ruminations herein.

Christians may fight the fines and threats, but such will be expensive. Christians may also choose simply to go out of business. However, in regard to Christians who offer services to the public such as wedding chapels, wedding photography, and scenic spaces for weddings, and want to continue doing so I would suggest that you proceed to serve same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples on the same bases - those which bear witness to Christ in the process.

Those bases are, for instance:

1. Every print a photographer produces has a gold crucifix in the lower right-hand corner, noticeable and tasteful and non-negotiable, with INRI over it. No electronic rights are given away, and any electronic images are "locked" so they cannot be modified. Bear witness to Christianity in your business in that way.

2. Every wedding venue has a large crucifix or cross in place in the venue itself, and the music selection is all Christian hymns. This is offered to same-sex and opposite-sex couples on the same basis, and may not be changed. Bear witness to the Lord even in the midst of ceremony. Readings available for the wedding all involve proclamations of man and wife marriage. None of these are negotiable, and they are available to all people on the same bases. No exceptions for opposite-sex couples, either.

3. Every cake made for weddings, same or opposite sex, must come adorned with crosses or crucifixes  - tasteful, but visible. References to scripture readings for man-and-wife marriage are visible and tasteful. Thus you glorify the Lord visibly and directly in your work.

4. Floral bouquets come with baskets, pots, or vases with visible marks of Christianity on them, and are contractually required to have a large cross or crucifix rising out of the center. While the individuals may remove them and change them after you sell them, this is not your concern once you have witnessed, but may only heap coals upon the heads of those who do so.

5. Caterers who cater weddings should dress in clothes with visible symbols of Christianity, such as crosses and references to scripture readings, with a catering truck in the same manner. Hats should reflect scripture readings as well.

If the lines are to be drawn, let them be drawn. But bear witness in all things to Christ, visibly and openly. If you are nonetheless hired by a same-sex couple, bear witness to Christ even in the midst of that work; give your cloak and tunic as well in the process.

DISCLAIMER: While discussing legal themes, this is not intended to be legal advice. Christians would be well-advised to seek out a lawyer in their jurisdiction prior to taking actions consistent with the ruminations herein.

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