By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector
Editor’s Note: The Baptist and Reflector will publish more in-depth articles about the significance of the Supreme Court’s decision and its potential impact on churches in the July 15 issue.
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled June 26 that same-sex marriage is protected under the Constitution and is now legal in all 50 states.
In a landmark decision, the decision to redefine marriage passed by a 5-4 margin with Justice Anthony M. Kennedy providing the swing vote.
“Today the Supreme Court of the United States took the unprecedented position to redefine marriage” said Randy C. Davis, executive director/treasurer of the Tennessee Baptist Convention.
“I am deeply saddened by the decision because no human institution has the authority to redefine what God in His infinite wisdom has established.
“Likewise, the fact that the Supreme Court ruled in this manner in no way impacts God’s high standard and continued expectation of marriage between one man and one women,” Davis said.
The TBC leader observed that God’s “statutes have remained unaltered since the beginning of time and will continue for all eternity. What God established no man can put asunder.
“Know that I stand firmly on the Bible’s authority regarding marriage and strongly support the statement on marriage issued two weeks ago at the 2015 SBC by Ronnie Floyd and all the past living presidents of the Southern Baptist Convention (see statement in article “SBC Supports Marriage, Religious Liberty”).
Davis encouraged readers to examine his latest Clarity column “It reflects the direction I’m heading in light of this ruling and I encourage you to join me on the journey ahead. May God grant us wisdom to navigate the days, grace to love all people and boldness to speak gospel truth to a decaying culture.”
