When I read that the Moore County Board of Commissioners came down on the side of heterosexual marriage, I was relieved because I'm in one. However, I'm saddened that other forms of marriage weren't included in the board's action. I'm also wondering why the board spends its time on such matters.

I'm not one to believe that legislative action guarantees a successful marriage or prevents lesbian/gay relationships from being expressions of love and commitment.

From where I "sit" as a pastoral psychotherapist, such action seems to be based on fear -- fear of what is called the "gay agenda" -- whatever that is.

I've heard some suggest that sanctioning marriage other than "hetero" types will destroy the family. I think a lack of mature love and commitment has more to do with the breaking up of marriages and families than any legislative action or biblically perceived threat.

The only legislative action I would recommend is that all forms of marriage/civil unions be granted the same rights as heterosexuals.

In my work I see as many "heteros" struggling to make marriage work as I do other forms of marriage. Learning to love one another with the kind of spiritual love that Jesus suggests is something all Christians, Jews, Muslims, atheists and other religious expressions are working on, regardless of sexual orientation.

I think the Moore County commissioners ought to stick to matters that improve our lives and leave marriage definitions to the people who are in them.

Chas Griffin

Seven Lakes