My Remarks to the #1M1W Marriage Rally

By Chelsen Vicari, Voices Contributor Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Chelsen Vicari serves as the Evangelical Program Director for the Institute on Religion and Democracy.

Thank you for coming out and standing up for your convictions!

As a country, today we pray that our leaders do what's best for the health of society, the welfare of children, and the protection of freedom of conscience. But no matter what our nine Supreme Court Justices decide come June, to Christian citizens, I say to you the Church, that we must never compromise our convictions according to the tide of popular culture!

Marriage does not need to be compromised; it needs to be cherished with courage.

For a moment, I want to speak to the young people here and watching online who stand for God's model for sexuality and marriage, the bedrock of every successful civilization. I know you're here. I know you're watching. And I know you are facing tremendous pressure to suppress your conscience for the sake of cultural appeasement.

Know that you are not alone!

Traditional marriage and LGBT demonstrators gather around the steps of the Supreme Court building in Washington D.C. on April 28, 2015 for the oral arguments for Obergefell v. Hodges. | (Photo: The Christian Post/Samuel Smith)

We are intimidated for our stance on marriage. We face bullying, Internet trolling, hateful name-calling and slander because we wish to practice our faith and moral values. We are accused of being backward, unloving, and uncompassionate if we support God's model for marriage.

And if we are willing to stand by those convictions in public, then we fear being ostracized, marginalized, threatened or called demeaning, hate-filled names.

Though you are looking around for faithful leadership, you find little because some faith leaders are unwilling to preach the whole truth. They only go so far out of fear of offending someone's feelings. Well, I wonder if their lack of courage is why we are in the mess we are in?

Don't lack courage!

We know that whatever decision the Supreme Court makes will have very serious consequences for our Christian convictions on our campuses, at our jobs, and in our private lives. We face losing friendships, garnering hostility from schoolmates and perhaps even family members all because we refuse to compromise and water-down the Gospel. But Praise God, because we are not alone in your stand for marriage!

Remember that Christ was criticized, crucified, by the popular culture of His day. Don't give up. Don't get discouraged. Don't get burnout. Don't be silent. Silence does not spread justice, compassion, or truth. Silence leads to accommodation.

Most importantly, as the prophet Isaiah wrote, don't be afraid, for the Lord promises He is with you. Don't be discouraged, for He is your God. He will strengthen you and help you. He will hold you up with His victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

Never lose your compassion, but never ever abandon your convictions!

God bless!

Chelsen Vicari serves as the Evangelical Program Director for the Institute on Religion and Democracy. She earned her Masters of Arts in Government from Regent University and frequently contributes to conservative outlets. Follow her on twitter @ChelsenVicari.