I now pronounce you…
THE United States of America had a recent Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage on Friday, June 26, 2015. The court voted that all 50 US states and territories are required to recognise marriages between same-sex couples by permitting them to obtain a marriage licence.
There was no explicit religious exemption provided in the ruling and a lack of clarity in regards to the churches of America.
One of the major concerns is this: A minister acts on behalf of the state as “officiate” because he/she signs the marriage licence making the marriage legal. This position can be a loophole for legal issues to arise. This is because at the conclusion of the marriage ceremony, it is stated by the presiding minister: “By the authority invested in me by God and the state of…, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
But since the Supreme Court of the United States has made this decision, all marital regulations have been transferred into the hands of the Federal Government, thus ignoring states rights.
I want to be clear and assure you, the membership of the WCICC, our stance shall remain that marriage as stated in the word of God, inerrant in its original text, is between a man and a woman. God has ordained marriage to be between a natural born man and natural born woman. No state or federal government should ever rule over the mandates of our LORD or by result of redefinition rewrite the infallible word of God. They have.
The “first” marriage recorded in the Bible was between a born man and a born woman, not people of the same sex. God intended this to be the model for marriage and He intends for us to follow His model for all of humankind. We need to stand firm in the biblical belief, according to the Word and not waiver.
Let me draw a clear line, this decision affects matrimonial law at the state level, it has no bearing on what you do as a minister of the word of God.
I recommend you immediately stop using the phrase, “By the authority invested in me by God and the State of…, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” You are not an agent of the state. Your allegiance belongs to God not the state.
Marriage in a same sex-setting is sin as defined by the word of God and is to be dealt with as any other sin.
Below I have outlined what USA-based WCICC members must abide by:
Definition of marriage according to the WCICC
We resolve that as a matter of belief, doctrine, and religious practice, the WCICC reserves the term “marriage” for the covenant relationship between one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others.
Member participation in the solemnisation and celebration of marriage
We resolve that members of the WCICC, both laity and clergy, will be allowed to arrange for, officiate at, or take part in the solemnisation or celebration of a marriage only when it conforms to the word of God regarding marriage. We believe the Bible teaches that marriage is intended by God to be a covenant of fidelity between a man and a woman. This biblical understanding of marriage is the basis of strong, healthy families; and is therefore to be nourished and defended by the local church, ministries and all members of the WCICC.
Archbishop Dr John Lupoli is president of the World Council of Independent Christian Churches.