Congregational Responses and Other Resources Regarding the Supreme Court Decision of June 26, 2015
Congregational Responses and Other Resources Regarding the Supreme Court Decision of June 26, 2015
Each congregation will respond to the issues of our culture uniquely. What is found here are some of the ways that people in LCMC and others are thinking about the Supreme Court’s decision to invalidate a state’s decision to define marriage as only between one man and one woman, and to therefore require every state to perform same gender marriage.
When LCMC was formed we adopted the following as a pastoral admonition:
"We affirm that God created us male and female, and that it is God's will and intention that human sexual expression and fulfillment take place only within the boundaries of marriage between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24-25; Matthew 19:4-6; and Mark 10:2-9). And, we confess as individuals and as congregations that we have not fulfilled God's will in our decisions, modeling, and teaching.”
When congregations join LCMC, they subscribe to our statement of faith and to this pastoral admonition, as do our pastors.
Legal Q&A from Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company
This document explains the Supreme Court decision in context and offers guidance for avoiding discrimination claims.
Sample Policy—Purpose Statements from Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company
Your are encouraged to review your ministry’s bylaws, policies, and other foundational documents to make sure your congregation’s religious beliefs are clearly expressed. Stating the ministry’s beliefs, along with applicable reference to scripture in governing documents, can help prevent allegations of discrimination. For sample purpose statements from the Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company website, click on the links below.
If you are unsure whether your documentation is sufficient, we encourage you to ask a trusted local attorney for assistance.
St. Paul Lutheran Church, New Braunfels, TX, Wedding Guidelines Excerpt:
Congratulations and God’s blessings on your engagement. At St. Paul we seek to help couples root their marriage in Jesus Christ. If you are looking for just a building for your wedding, we humbly suggest you look elsewhere. But if you are looking to set your marriage on the solid foundation of God’s word and wanting to grow in his will for you…you may have found the right congregation. At St. Paul, we believe that a wedding is a Christian worship service uniting a man and a woman as husband and wife. Our pastors have the final say regarding form and procedure.
Marriage Certificate: St. Paul Lutheran Church issues a marriage certificate, signed by our officiating pastor and the couple. In order to have their marriage recognized by the state, couples must obtain from the County Clerk’s office a marriage license and have that license solemnized by a judge or magistrate. Download PDF >>
That’s it. Basically, since we foresee that for the first time in Texas history, the state will likely define marriage differently than we do as a Christian congregation, we simply cease to function as the state’s agent when it comes to weddings. I don’t sign any state-issued marriage license, period. We implemented this policy in 2014 and before we did so, we spoke with three judges (one a member of congregation, two from the community). They said it was right on, one said it was brilliant. Our outgoing county clerk didn’t like it, but oh well. The three judges agreed to be a resource for any heterosexual couple which we might refer to them to have their marriage solemnized by the state.