There is a danger when a church moves into the public square. It’s called getting called on the truth. Some members of the Episcopal Church cringe when Episcopal clergy publicly advocate for the redefinition of marriage, as will happen Oct. 15 in Portland when the gay bishop will speak.

The Episcopal Church doctrine, canons, prayer book and catechism say that marriage is exclusively between a man and a woman. Found on page 861 of the catechism of the Episcopal Church: Book of Common Prayer, “Holy Matrimony is Christian marriage, in which the woman and man enter into a lifelong union, make their vows before God and the Church and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows.”

The new leadership of the Episcopal Church is held captive by a well-financed, culturally cohesive group that calls for inclusiveness for everyone except those who believe in the teaching of the church.

Many Maine Episcopalians have walked away. According to the Episcopal Church’s Web site, the Diocese of Maine has been in decline since 2003 when the gay bishop of New Hampshire was installed.

Yet there are many Maine Episcopalians who agree with the prayer book and scripture, and there are still some clergy in the pulpit who preach the church’s teaching on marriage.

I will vote “yes” on Question 1 because it is the truth as God revealed it.

Debra A. Wagner, Lisbon Falls

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