Does the Adventist Church in San Antonio need to vote some kind of response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling that strikes down state bans on same-sex marriage?
Some church administrators are concerned that the Supreme Court’s historic decision on June 26 will lead to problems nationwide for the church and its institutions in regard to hiring practices, employee benefits, student housing for same-sex couples, and retention of tax-exempt status.
The Supreme Court did not ask for religious freedom arguments in this case; however, in March the General Conference filed an Amicus Brief (Friend of the Court) asking the court to, within their ruling on this case, continue to protect the religious freedom historically and traditionally afforded to churches.
Although the majority opinion offers assurance that churches and other groups that oppose same-sex marriage on religious grounds can continue to express their views, that may not provide much legal protection during lawsuits that are expected in the near future. More on this topic
Since 1985 the Seventh-day Adventist Church has voted nine statements explaining our official stance on sexual behavior, marriage and family and the relationship between the church and its related institutions in regard to basic operating principles pertinent to these topics.
Read the most recent statement voted during the General Conference Spring Meeting 2014 outlining our official policies and practices.
