In reply to LuAnn.

LuAnn,

I, too, see this as an opportunity to witness the truth. We have never needed government to concur with us in doctrine or to guard or doctrine. This is a reminder that we are, as CS Lewis observed, in enemy territory committing acts of sabotage and gathering in cells listening to the wireless.

The ruling is no surprise as the leading ethic is one of individual liberty and religious freedom has long been held as devolving to individual conscience. Marriage, in my state, has been so defined as to permit no fault, uncontested divorce for a $350 legal fee (or so the lawyers' billboards read). What God decrees as marriage has not existed in the eyes of society, law, and government for decades.

Yet, pastors can still refuse to marry couples who are, otherwise, permitted by law to marry. No one is suing for refusal to marry divorcees. We should not assume this will be different. The concern over education and federal funds is an issue only because we have chosen to mix our institutions with the religiously agnostic state.

There will be challenges to ministry, challenges to our ability to speak in love and, possibly, persecution. No matter. We have the help of God. Somehow, this will work into His plan.

We should also remember that the courts were accused of legislating when they desegregated schools and removed bans on interracial marriage. Let's not buy into the politicized rhetoric on that note and stick to God's word in all that we say and do as we are called to address this issue.