AS APPEARED IN THE WASHINGTON TIMES , JULY 25 2004

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HETEROSEXUALS TO RENEW VOWS IN N.Y. RALLY
By Monique E. Stuart
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
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In an attempt to strengthen traditional marriage, a group of pastors and ministry leaders in the New York City area are holding a ceremony today in which thousands of heterosexual couples are expected to renew their vows.

"We need to do all what we can to strengthen biblical marriage," said Joseph Mattera, executive director of the City Covenant Coalition. "It's the only standard of marriage we've had since the beginning of civilization."

The first Traditional Marriage Renewal Day Rally will be held at City Hall Park in New York City starting with a press conference at 4 p.m. and followed by the vow renewal and prayer service at 4:30 p.m.

"We want to raise the biblical standards in our churches, raise the standards of our congregations, and raise the standards of the clergy," Mr. Mattera said. "When legally married heterosexual couples renew their vows, we are increasing the strength of that vow."

The definition of marriage has been challenged recently after Massachusetts began allowing same-sex couples to "marry," while other state legislatures are enacting laws defining marriage as being between one man and one woman.

A homosexual rights group said it is disturbed by the rally.

"It's a free country, and our opponents are free to exercise their First Amendment rights," said Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "It's deeply disturbing, however, that people who purport to be Christians use such un-Christ-like tactics."

Mr. Mattera responded to the charge.

"I don't know what Christ he's talking about," Mr. Mattera said. "The Christ of the Bible would not affirm same-sex marriage. I don't know what Christ he's thinking of."

Freedom to Marry, an organization promoting same-sex "marriage," also spoke out against the event.

"Number one, gay people are not trying to 'attack' marriage, we are trying to participate in it," said Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry. "Number two, we are asking for the same commitment and responsibility [as heterosexual families] for our own families. And, number three, excluding gay couples does nothing to protect [the institution of marriage]."

Organizers have said the event's purpose is not to express hate or bigotry toward any group.

"This is not an anti-gay rally," Mr. Mattera said. "Protesters will be removed and security will take down any posters or placards with any anti-gay slogans."

Jerry West, a director of the Urban and Civic Affairs/Church of God in Christ in New York City, said: "The Church of God in Christ upholds the marriage described in the Bible as a man and woman. We hold to our doctrine and teachings. ... The church isn't anti-anybody."

Mr. Mattera said there will be more events like these in the future.

"Traditional marriage is the building block of our society," he said. "We don't want a social and psychological experiment for our children's generation.