Dear Editor,

In a few weeks, the Supreme Court is going to hear arguments for and against redefining marriage in America. Though marriage between a man and a woman has existed since the beginning, the time-honored institution is under fire. For nearly 20 years, the debate has raged. Before federal judges began to overturn marriage laws, 30 states had protected natural marriage. Now the High Court is poised to decide for us all. Truthfully, I don’t believe they have a right.

Marriage is too important an institution to be left in the hands of judges. Marriage between a man and a woman is the basic unit of society. Statistics show that when a man and woman make a marriage commitment, it increases their economic productivity, financial success, personal health, and happiness. Since marriage also produces children, it is of great importance to the continuation and stability of society. Academic studies show over and over that kids raised by their married mom and dad are most likely to be successful.

Bottom line: Redefining marriage dilutes what has worked since the beginning and ignores the fundamental needs of children. Every child needs a mom and a dad. So government should seek to reinforce natural marriage, not redefine it. I say let the people, not the judges, decide what constitutes marriage.

Pastor Timothy Morbitzer
Victory Christian Fellowship, North Manchester