Thousands of Chinese American Christians rally in support of traditional marriage

ALHAMBRA, Calif. — A June 27 rally to support traditional marriage drew about 3,500 people—mostly Chinese American Christians—to Alhambra Park.

The Rev. David Lee, ministry director at Chinese Christian Herald Crusades in San Gabriel, helped to organize the event after hearing of a similar rally in San Francisco that attracted 7,000.

“This inspired us to hold a similar rally in Southern California,” said Lee, adding that the organizer of that rally, Dr. Thomas Wang, general director of the Great Commission Center International, came to speak at the Southern California event.

Although originally planning for 5,000 people, Lee said he was pleased with the showing, which he believes to be the largest Asian-American gathering of its kind involving a social protest. He’s also hoping it will serve as a catalyst for future events.

“We hope that it can stimulate mainline churches, American churches to come out and do something like this,” the pastor said.

The effort included members of an estimated 100 Chinese churches from throughout Southern California, including representatives from Baptist, Alliance, Presbyterian, United Methodist, Evangelical Free, Lutheran, Taiwanese and other independent churches.

Although sponsored by the Chinese Christian American community, the rally drew supporters from all races. Some, Lee said, were non-Christians who oppose same-sex marriage. Participants wore red and blue T-shirts bearing the message “Marriage 1 man +1 woman.” The slogan was duplicated in Chinese on the back.

“We think that the same-sex marriage, if they are legislated, will destroy the very basic unit of society,” the pastor said. “It will allow for other types of marriage that will lead to the breaking of the fabric of our society.

Lee stressed that the protesters wanted to make their voice—which has remained quiet throughout the ongoing same-sex debate—known in a manner that would attract attention without undermining their faith.

“We wanted to be peaceful and stick to our beliefs,” Lee said. “We try not to attack anyone or stir up any anger in any groups, including homosexuals, so it will be a good testimony to the community.”

Already, several churches have vowed to extend their efforts beyond the rally, as part of a three-pronged approach outlined by Lee during the rally. Those three critical areas for follow-up he said are to “extend our voice, extend our care and cast our vote.”

The voice extension included the preparation of 70,000 postcards to send to President George W. Bush and members of Congress ahead of a scheduled congressional vote on a proposed Federal Marriage Amendment. That amendment, however, failed to garner enough votes in a procedural move to get it on the floor of the Senate for a vote.

At the rally, participants also brought wedding pictures of 500 or so traditional marriages, which Lee said are being used as an 8-foot by 13-foot poster collage. Lee said he hopes the ongoing project will result in at least 5,000 photos.

“The marriage photo itself is a testimony of the traditional marriage,” he said. “We hope this poster becomes an icon of supporting traditional marriage.”

As part of that care vision, Living Grace Christian Counseling Center has established a support group for the Chinese-speaking parents of gay children, helping them to change by acceptance and love. Lee’s church is also in the process of recruiting pro-family counselors, to provide help for whose who are willing to leave the homosexual lifestyle.

The final aspect of the plan will include voter registration and voter education events.

The event was also sponsored by Los Angeles Christians for Traditional Marriage, Chinese Coordination Center for World Evangelism USA, Great Commission Center International and the Greater Los Angeles Chinese Ministerial Association.

Published, August 2004

Christian Examiner™, P.O. Box 2606 El Cajon, CA 92021 • 619-668-5100 • Fax 619-668-1115
Email: info@christianexaminer.com • Web site: www.christianexaminer.com