Many have been wondering why The Pennsylvania Family Values Coalition is planning a "Family Values Rally" on March 29, the very same day the "same-sex ceremony" will be conducted at the HUB.

Is it a protest? No! Is it an expression of hatred or dislike toward homosexuals, gays and lesbians? No! Is it an effort to make a political statement? No! So then, what is the rally all about?

First, those of us who make up The Pennsylvania Family Values Coalition believe that God ordained the family and established it as a union between a man and a woman -- not between two members of the same sex, according to Genesis 2:16-25. What God creates, we have the responsibility to support in order to glorify Him in all things. In accordance with Leviticus 18:22, we believe that "same-sex unions" violate biblical statutes and are considered an "abomination" to God. We who hold true to the Word of God have chosen to stand with the scriptures instead of with those who would argue against the teachings of the Bible. We are praying that Saturday's rally will accomplish our objective.

Second, it is our desire to promote wholesome family relationships in which everyone involved will be faithful according to the teaching of scripture. Therefore, on Saturday, we hope to promote love, respect, commitment, the worship of God, positive communication, patience and the renewal of traditional and biblical family values from State College to Pennsylvania and the rest of America, so that properly based families will be encouraged to exist in the future and will contribute to a strong society, nation and culture.

Third, we believe that the gay agenda would desire to see "same-sex marriages" become legal in Pennsylvania. Therefore, we pray that the Family Values Rally on Saturday will serve as a motivation for the religious community, the educational system, the governmental bodies and the experts in the law to stand firm for traditional marriages and support an amendment that will once and for all define marriage as a union between a man and woman.

Fourth, we want to clearly communicate that "true biblically-based Christians" do not in any degree harbor an attitude of hatred or dislike to those who practice the gay lifestyle, but rather, truly love them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We also desire to see them have a personal relationship with Christ that will grant forgiveness of their sins and give them an abundant life. We perceive that many in the gay community appear to have emotional issues and high levels of fear due to their lifestyle, and we want to communicate that those issues can be turned into abiding peace and confidence through trusting Christ as Savior.

Some have accused us of planning a demonstration that may lead to outbursts of anger or violence. Let me assure you that any who may create such a protest or demonstration are not a part of nor will be endorsed by The Pennsylvania Family Values Coalition. We have purposefully decided to hold our rally at a different place and a different time so as not to create an "in-your-face" attitude.

While the ceremony is at 1 p.m. in the HUB, the rally is 2 p.m. at Old Main. Though with great conviction, we disagree with those who will participate in the "same-sex ceremony," we support their right to hold their own opinions and conduct their ceremony as long as there is no harm to others.

Those who support the gay lifestyle are welcome to attend the rally at Old Main as long as they do so with respect and courtesy. Saturday's event can be a learning experience for all of us, and we would do well to take advantage of such an opportunity.

Dr. Gary Dull is the pastor of the Faith Baptist Church of Altoona and the chairman of the Pennsylvania Family Values Coalition.