Churches changing bylaws after gay marriage ruling
By TRAVIS LOLLER
Associated Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Worried they could be sued by gay couples, some churches are changing their bylaws to reflect their view that the Bible allows only marriage between one man and one woman.
Although there have been lawsuits against wedding industry businesses that refuse to serve gay couples, attorneys promoting the bylaw changes say they don’t know of any lawsuits against churches.
Critics say the changes are unnecessary, but some churches fear that it’s only a matter of time before one of them is sued.
“I thought marriage was always between one man and one woman, but the Supreme Court in a 5-4 decision said no,” said Gregory S. Erwin, an attorney for the Louisiana Baptist Convention, an association of Southern Baptist churches and one several groups advising churches to change their bylaws. “I think it’s better to be prepared because the law is changing. America is changing.”
In a June decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a provision of the federal Defense of Marriage Act that defined marriage as between a man and a woman for purposes of federal law. A second decision was more technical but essentially ushered in legal gay marriage in California.
James, why do you have a photo of Christ Church with this story? The Episcopal church is very inclusive and open-minded, and gay marriage is most certainly respected at Christ Church.
I don’t think the story is negative , its imply s many churches are changing with the times and I knew the Episcopal church is very inclusive and open-minded …thats was the point
Well, it does say that some churches are changing their bylaws in order to reflect the view that marriage is only between a man and a woman, so at least those churches are not changing with the times!
But if that is the reason you put Christ Church in the picture, then good choice, because everyone is welcome there, no questions, no raised eyebrows ever.
I don’t know of any church that permits gay weddings to take place in their facilities – but that is not the point – churches have nothing to fear as it is a legal issue now and so gay couples looking to marry get married at city hall or other locations – as a divorced man, I can;t get married in the Catholic Church because I have been married before and the CC does not recognize divorce – so to hell with the Church (all of them) get married at city hall or at Seasons in Washington Township (they do a great wedding)
In the Catholic Church marriage is a sacrament. No need to change any by-laws, they know the rules.
The Catholic Church knows the rules? Well, let’s just say they sure know how to break the rules. They also know how to break the law, over and over again, when it comes to molesting children and then covering it up.