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On May 15, 2008, the Supreme Court of the State of California issued a controversial ruling that overturned the state’s prohibition on same-sex marriages.  This prohibition was the result of the California Defense of Marriage Act (also known as “Proposition 22”), which defined marriage as between a man and woman only.

In its ruling, the Court first stated that the right to marry is a substantive legal right that is enjoyed by every person.  It then stated that “an individual’s sexual orientation…does not constitute a legitimate basis upon which to deny or withhold legal rights.” In re Marriage Cases, California Supreme Court, S147999.  Using these two rationales, the Court ultimately legitimized same-sex marriage in California.

Let us be clear that the Court’s ruling is based on secular law and not God’s natural law or morality.  Same-sex marriage is contrary to God’s plan for mankind and Christian principles.  God created the first humans male and female and immediately commanded them to procreate with His blessing (Gen. 1:27, 28).  This creation expressed His life-giving and self-giving nature in perfect morality.  Our Lord Jesus Christ reiterated the natural union between male and female (See, e.g., Matt. 19:4-6 and Mark 10:6).  Saint Paul the Apostle repeatedly spoke against the sin of homosexual union (See, e.g., 1 Cor. 6:9, 1 Tim. 1:9, and Rom. 1:26).

The Church Fathers unanimously spoke against these unions, as well.  Saint John Chrysostom wrote these unions “have done an insult to nature itself” (Homilies on Romans 4).  Saint Basil the Great wrote, “He who is guilty of unseemliness with males will be under discipline for the same time as adulterers” (Letters 217:62).

Our blessed Coptic Orthodox Church has maintained a consistent position on this issue, one that is based on God’s plan for mankind and the life-giving teachings of the Holy Scriptures.  In August 2003, under the leadership of our honored father, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, the Church issued a declaration, signed by 14 bishops and over 200 priests, clarifying its position.  The declaration stated, in part, that same-sex marriage “not only contradict[s] biblical teachings, but also pose[s] a serious threat to the stability of the family unit, the morals of society, the purity of the Church, and the future of ecumenical unity.”

What are the next steps?

• In February, the “Protect Marriage” project of California Renewal (www.protectmarriage.com) gathered 750,000 signatures so that an amendment to the California Constitution prohibiting same-sex marriage would be placed on the November 2008 ballot for voter approval.  With God’s grace, enough signatures were gathered and the proposition will be on the November 2008 ballot.
• Educate your family, friends, and the people you serve concerning the Christian view of marriage.  We should differentiate between secular law–on which the Court’s decision is based–and God’s law, which is true, life-giving, and above all man-made laws.  Also, it is imperative for our congregations to know that, while we reject same-sex marriage and the lifestyle it entails, we do not reject the people themselves, but rather, exhort them to abandon their ways, repent, and strive for eternal life.
• Register to vote.  If the proposed Amendment is placed on the November 2008 ballot, we should all be ready to vote our consciences according to what we have been taught.
• Above all, let us pray.  Let us pray for the rulers of the land, that God may grant them wisdom to do what is pleasing to Him alone.  Let us pray for the judges, that God may instill in them a sense of His justice.  Let us pray for the advocates of same-sex marriage, that God may open their eyes and lead them to a pure and blameless life.  Let us pray for our Christian congregations and youth, that God may protect them from the evils of this world and keep them in His faith and church all the days of their lives.