[hotelhyatt]

Our obligation to 'participate' in the activities of the state we live in has a clear scriptural foundation. Christ was born in Bethlehem precisely because His Mother and Joseph were obeying the state's requirement to register for taxation. Christ clearly says we should pay taxes (Matthew 22:21) and St Paul tells us to obey the state authorities and pay tax (Romans 13:1-7). That was all at a time of a pagan state (which was not always 'benign and tolerant') with a pagan ruler. (So all the more are such obligations on us since as far as Canada and the UK are concerned (not forgetting Australia!), we live in states a good deal more benign and tolerant than ancient Rome and we have a devout Christian queen). So, it cannot be said that we are participating in sin even if our respective governments pass legislation which, from our point of view, facilitates sin, but which from other points of view does not since the concept of forms of sins such as homosexual conduct has been largely lost. And after all, adultery is not unlawful in our states.

But let us apply what has been said to a specific situation which could easily arise. Let us say that my wife and I (practising Orthodox Christians)advertise bed and breakfast accommodation in our spare bedroom which has a double bed. We receive a booking from a couple: they are a homosexual couple. Should we refuse that booking? There has to be a 'yes or no' answer.