![NOM National Newsletter](http://www.nomresources.com/graphics/header_nom-national-newsletter.jpg)
![](http://www.nomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/nom_email_2013-03-22_primary-image.jpg)
Dear Marriage Supporter,
They're here. They support God's design for marriage. They are not going away or giving up. And the New York Times has finally noticed!
"Young Opponents of Gay Marriage Undaunted by Battle Ahead," the headline shouts — and for once the New York Times tells the truth.
A cadre of next generation heroes for marriage are arising and were interviewed by the New York Times on the verge of the first annual March for Marriage (which the Times called "The highest-profile effort" currently underway to defend marriage!). One among these young marriage heroes featured was our own undaunted Thomas Peters! Here's a glimpse of what some of the others had to say:
-
"'It's really a broader defense of marriage and a stronger marriage culture,' said Will Haun, 26, a lawyer and member of the Federalist Society."
-
"'Proponents of same-sex marriage have done a fantastic job of telling the story of same-sex marriage through music and television and film,' said Eric Teetsel, 29, the executive director of the Manhattan Declaration…. 'I think it's really a case where once they hear the other side of the issue, and really think about it deeply, we're going to win a lot of those folks back.'"
-
"Last week, the Heritage Foundation released a report by Ryan T. Anderson, 31, in defense of traditional marriage, Marriage: What It Is, Why It Matters, and the Consequences of Redefining It.
-
"'When you de-link marriage from childbearing, you then have to increase the complexity of that relationship,' said Caitlin Seery, 25, the director of programs for the Love and Fidelity Network…."
-
"'If you take the longer view of history — I'm not talking just 15 years, I'm talking 40 years or even 100 years — I can't help but think that the uniqueness of man-woman marriage will be adjudicated over time,' said Andrew T. Walker, 27, a policy analyst at the Heritage Foundation."
These young people are evidence that support for marriage and the belief that kids do best with a mom and a dad is growing rather than waning. And there's plenty more evidence in other recent news:
![](http://www.nomresources.com/email/graphics/nom_email_2013-03-22_national_rubio.jpg)
At last week's CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference), Senator Marco Rubio bravely and forcefully reaffirmed his support for marriage and the rights of states, saying in part: "Just because I believe that states should have the right to define marriage in a traditional way does not make me a bigot."
I want to thank Senator Rubio for his courage to speak up at this crucial time, exemplifying the kind of conservative leadership our nation needs right now. And I want you to thank him too. Please click here to send a thank you message to Senator Rubio commending him for his courage to speak up for marriage as the unique union of one man and one woman, an institution vital to the well-being of men, women, children, and society as a whole.
Rallying the Troops to March for Marriage
History is going to be made on the steps of the Supreme Court on Tuesday, and as the momentum for the March for Marriage builds, the heroes are gathering.
Former Sen. Jim DeMint is a hero to a lot of people, especially in the Tea Party movement. He's also the new president of the Heritage Foundation.
At CPAC, Sen. De Mint gave a lucid, brilliant argument for why social conservatism and economic conservatism are linked—by the institution of marriage.
Here is the crux of what the new president of Heritage said at CPAC that you and I know in our hearts:
We cannot hope to limit government if we do not stand up for our core civil society institutions, beginning with marriage. Marriage is the foundation of America's cultural stability and economic prosperity and the courts have no business overruling the people's democratic decisions in the states. People can love whom they want and live the way they choose, but no one is entitled to redefine a foundational institution of civil society that has existed for centuries.
In two weeks, the Supreme Court will hear arguments against the right of states to protect marriage and the federal Defense of Marriage Act. Judicial activism is to blame for the Court even considering these cases. The Supreme Court should uphold these laws. It must recognize that the American people should make these decisions, not unelected judges.
We are told that the social issues divide Americans and that we should stop talking about them. We cannot.
Economic and social conservatism go hand-in-hand.
But Senator DeMint has gone even further. He has endorsed the March for Marriage — and here you can see him say why it's so important to turn out on March 26:
![](http://www.nomresources.com/email/graphics/nom_email_2013-03-22_national_demint.jpg)
Archbishop Cordileone, another hero for marriage, will be speaking at the March. The Archbishop's initiative at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop's just released "Five Reasons to Participate in the March for Marriage." I won't spoil it for you, but here is the first reason:
When Pope Francis was archbishop of Buenos Aires, he encouraged the Catholic faithful to march for marriage. The year was 2010 and the Argentinean legislature was debating whether or not to redefine marriage. According to Zenit news, then-Cardinal Bergoglio "appealed to parish priests, rectors and chaplains of churches to facilitate the participation of the faithful" in a planned march and demonstration against redefining marriage. The marchers united under the motto "We want a mommy and daddy for our children"….
So many other heroes will be there: the bravest Democrat in America, Rev. Senator Ruben Diaz; Peggy Nance; Gary Bauer; Pastor Jim Garlow; Bob Van der Plaatz; Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse; Professor Robert P. George; Professor Robert Oscar Lopez; and more!
Come, join us, and make your own voice heard!
Illinois's Black Pastors Band Together to Defend Marriage
In Chicago, a new coalition of black Church leaders, Democrats almost all, have formed an African American Clergy Coalition to make their voices heard! The press is taking notice. The Southern Illinoisan reported it this way: "Some Chicago-area clergy are getting vocal about same-sex marriage — including through radio ads opposing pending legislation to legalize the practice in Illinois."
![](http://www.nomresources.com/email/graphics/nom_email_2013-03-22_national_meeks.jpg)
The Illinoisan says that the 60-second radio spots began airing on Tuesday, and that a "street campaign" and robo-calls are also a planned part of the Coalition's overall efforts.
The robo-calls feature former state Sen. James Meeks, who is also senior pastor of Chicago's Salem Baptist Church. God bless these pastors for their brave and exemplary leadership!
Four Days Until the March!
In the Bible, the rainbow is the symbol of hope, a promise that God's words will be kept. On Tuesday, a truly rainbow coalition — people of all races, creeds, and colors — will gather in our nation's capital to March for Marriage. I truly hope you will join us!
Let me close with a few words from Focus on the Family's President, Jim Daly:
![](http://www.nomresources.com/email/graphics/nom_email_2013-03-22_national_daly.jpg)
Jim proudly notes that Focus on the Family (along with CitzenLink) is a "proud cosponsor" of the March for Marriage. "The fact that so many have gathered in response to these critical court cases should give everyone hope as we find our way forward," he says.
You and I know we are standing on firm ground. God's design for marriage has always been about bringing together the two distinct, but complementary expressions created in His image: male and female. Two people coming together in oneness capable of bringing forth new life. Marriage is an example of God's common grace… given for the benefit of all humanity.
Yes, this view of marriage is becoming "countercultural" in some circles, Daly acknowledges; but all that means is that we must lovingly, and with grace and courage, "lift up and celebrate God's magnificent design for this unique and irreplaceable relationship between a man and a woman!"
I couldn't help but be moved by his final call:
"Every generation has its moment: this is ours."