American Council of Christian Churches
83rd Annual Convention, October 22-24, 2024
Hope Evangelical Methodist Church, Youngstown, PA
Resolution on the Respect for Marriage Act
On December 13, 2022, the Respect for Marriage Act (H.R.8404) was signed into law by President Joe Biden.[i] The bill effectively repealed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1996, which affirmed the traditional understanding of marriage as a union between one man and one woman. In doing so, it requires the federal government and all states to recognize “same-sex marriages” that are legally performed in any state. Although the bill includes some provisions for religious liberty, it does not sufficiently protect individuals, churches, and religious organizations that hold to the traditional biblical view of marriage from potential legal and social repercussions. This bill, far from protecting freedom and promoting virtue, continues to undermine the foundational institution of the family in American life, essential for the nurturing and development of children and the stability of society (Deut. 5:16).
In Matthew 19:4-6, our Lord clearly set forth the biblical definition of marriage, based on Genesis 2:24, as a sacred and enduring covenant between one man and one woman, bound to one another for life. The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 5:31-32, likens the marriage relationship of husband and wife to that of Christ and His Church. It is no wonder, then, that Satan would try to destroy such a beautiful illustration of God’s love for His people. Even so, God will not be mocked, and Scripture contains strong warnings for those who would desecrate this most sacred of institutions (Heb. 13:4).
Therefore, the American Council of Christian Churches at its 83rd annual convention, October 22-24, 2024, at Hope Evangelical Methodist Church of Youngstown, PA, resolves to reaffirm our commitment to the biblical definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman; to call upon our elected representatives to protect the religious freedoms of individuals, churches, and organizations that uphold the traditional view of marriage; to encourage our fellow believers to stand firm in their convictions; to reach out with the message of the gospel of Christ to those who are ensnared by the darkness and deception of this present evil age; and to pray for our nation, that God in His mercy would grant wisdom to our leaders, protection for our religious liberties, and strength for our homes and marriages for His glory and for the edification of His Church.
Download this resolution:
- Respect for Marriage Act
- Respect for Marriage Act – Bulletin Insert
- Respect for Marriage Act – Brochure
[i] Thirty-nine House Republicans lent their support to the bill: Reps. Kelly Armstrong (N.D.), Don Bacon (Neb.), Ken Calvert (Calif.), Kat Cammack (Fla.), Mike Carey (Ohio), Liz Cheney (Wyo.), John Curtis (Utah), Rodney Davis (Ill.), Tom Emmer (Minn.), Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.), Mike Gallagher (Wis.), Andrew Garbarino (N.Y.), Mike Garcia (Calif.), Carlos Gimenez (Fla.), Tony Gonzales (Texas), Anthony Gonzalez (Ohio), Jaime Herrera Beutler (Wash.), Ashley Hinson (Iowa), Darrell Issa (Calif.), Chris Jacobs (N.Y.), Dave Joyce (Ohio), John Katko (N.Y.), Nancy Mace (S.C.), Nicole Malliotakis (N.Y.), Peter Meijer (Mich.), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Iowa), Blake Moore (Utah), Dan Newhouse (Wash.), Jay Obernolte (Calif.), Tom Rice (S.C.), Mike Simpson (Idaho), Elise Stefanik (N.Y.), Bryan Steil (Wis.), Chris Stewart (Utah), Michael Turner (Ohio), Fred Upton (Mich.), David Valadao (Calif.), Ann Wagner (Mo.) and Mike Waltz (Fla.). https://thehill.com/homenews/house/3767461-here-are-the-39-house-republicans-who-backed-the-same-sex-marriage-bill/
Twelve Senate Republicans voted in favor: Susan Collins (ME); Rob Portman (OH); Thom Tillis (NC); Mit Romney (UT); Lisa Murkowski (AK); Dan Sullivan (AK); Cynthia Lummis (WY); Todd Young (IN); Shelley Moore Capito (WV); Joni Ernst (IA); Roy Blunt (MO); Richard Burr (NC).
