Like Brother Casci has stated, the State cannot force a pastor to marry anyone! They can remove our certificate to solemnize a marriage, but force a pastor with our understanding of Scripture, this they cannot do! Not only is same sex marriage wrong, it is not even a marriage! Scripture states, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two will become one flesh". (Genesis 2:24 NKJV) Therefor if SCOTUS rules same sex couples can marry, it may be a marriage by their standard, but in truth it is only a Civil Union.

This does not preclude us reaching out in love in all we do, but it is necessary, that we as LCMS members say in love that same sex marriage is no marriage. According to the Constitution of the United States (Congress shall make no law) and my call document and vows, no one can force me to do that which is a violation of my conscience. God's peace be with you all.