It is ironic that the very things that lesbian and gay couples are seeking through legal marriage -- a public commitment to love each other for life, a desire to deepen their love for each other and a strengthening of family -- are the exact same values held by those who espouse traditional family values.... If, as Christians believe, God is love, then God has been powerfully present in our lives in the last four weeks. Do we have the courage to follow in faith with this new thing God is doing in our very midst?-- Thoughts from The Rev. Karen P. Oliveto, Ph.D., pastor of Bethany United Methodist Church in San Francisco.