Too powerful not to quote —

Where did Christian florists, bakers, and pizza makers get the idea that refusing service is the essence of their religious witness on gay marriage? How much more effective their witness might be were they to respond to gay clients this way:

“You should know that

we object to gay marriage on religious grounds,

and therefore some other firm

might be better suited to serve you.

But if you want our services,

we will provide you with the best cake we can,

or the most wonderful flowers possible.

Whatever our disagreements,

we know you are made in the image of God

-made to enjoy God’s good gifts of cake and flowers.”

Such a response would be much more likely to lend power to a religious witness. It would do more to foster love of God and neighbor. And it would be much more in keeping with the spirit of Jesus.

— The Christian Century, April 29, 2015, p. 7

Read more: http://www.readperiodicals.com/201504/3669036561.html#ixzz3ZY19bcuu