In 2004 when San Francisco defied state law by issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples,  a court later halted the issuances of licenses and declared that same-sex marriages that took place during this period were void. That began the legal wrangling through the courts that made its way to the highest court in California.

On May 15^th of this year, the California Supreme Court overturned the gay marriage ban by a 4-3 decision and joined with Massachusetts as the only two states that legally allow same-sex marriages. Eight other states allow same-sex couples to enter civil unions or register as domestic partners. Please note that neither California nor Massachusetts same-sex marriages are recognized by the federal government. This myriad of laws between the federal government and state governments will increase the complexity of potential legal challenges for same-sex couples.

However, this is seen as a cultural trend change for America. According to an article in Stateline.org, a poll recently taken in May of 2008 reflect that 49% of Americans oppose same-sex marriage while 38% say they approve, as compared to a poll taken in July of 2004 when 56% of Americans opposed same-sex marriages and only 32% said they approved.

For my Republican readers, both presidential candidates, Senator Obama and Senator McCain, believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. Sen. Obama supports granting civil unions for gay couples and Sen. McCain believes same-sex couples should be allowed legal unions for insurance and other purposes. (Don’t forget that Republican Vice President Dick Cheney’s daughter is gay and in a relationship she calls ‘a marriage.’ The same-sex couple became parents in 2007, when Mary Cheney delivered a boy.)

With the California supreme court overturning the lower court’s ban, on Monday, June 16^th, Del Martin (age 87) in a wheel chair and Phyllis Lyon (age 83), after living together for fifty-five years, were one of the first couples married in California in a ceremony in San Francisco presided over by Mayor Gavin Newson. The couple had move in together in 1953 at the forefront of the gay-rights movement.

Of course, the position of the Apostolic church is that marriage and civil unions is between a man and a woman. Seeing the trend change in America, the Executive Board of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. adopted by unanimous vote in 2005 an additional statement to bring further clarification to her position on marriage, “We believe that the scripture unalterably defines ‘Marriage’ as a union between a man and a woman and any ‘marriage union’ other than the scriptures allow is unlawful in the sight of God…”  (from the 2007 Organizational Manual, Our Doctrine – Section 10. Marriage).

What can be done? What should be done?

The only way to overturn the actions of the court is for there to be a state constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriages in California. This initiative already took place on June 2^nd and it will be on the ballot for the 2008 November election. But it will be an uphill battle given the liberal position of many Californians. Even Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has already indicated that he would uphold the decision adding, “I will not support an amendment to the constitution that would overturn this state Supreme Court ruling.”

For this effort, the church must not only utilize prayer (which she does best), but also engage its political influence to have her constituents get out and vote in November. The voice & position of the church must be heard. Only with a constitutional state amendment can this action be overturned.

Will it be done? Let me hear from you.