Can Churches Be Forced To Allow Same Sex Marriages?
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The First United Methodist Church in Troy stands on a solid foundation in the community. And Pastor Steve Winston says its beliefs are part of a much larger, global theology.
Steve Winton, pastor First United Methodist Church Troy said, “There comes a time when civil law and church belief collide throughout history and this may be one of those incidents.”
He’s talking about the federal court ruling on Alabama’s gay marriage ban.
Steven Taylor, Professor and Chair Political Science Troy University said, “What it means is we are approaching the end game in this process.”
The ruling may be on hold, but he says it could mark the start of another lengthy court battle. “Alabama is late to the game so while it is perhaps shocking, dramatic, or interesting to us because it is happening in our state, it’s been happening all around us,” he said.
“There is concern, but the church has always stood on the biblical concepts and the approach to homosexuality as being a sin. We love people and all of us according to the scripture are sinners. And so all of us need help,” Pastor Winton said.
So can the church ultimately be forced to perform same sex marriages? Well, Professor Taylor says the first amendment answers that question.
Taylor said. “Do I think we will see attempts at lawsuits? Yeah I think we will see attempts, but I don’t think they will get very far…I think when it comes to forcing a house of worship to perform an action that is against their religious beliefs, I don’t think that can stand up in court.”
Professor Taylor says he’s looking at the current fight over Alabama’s same sex marriage amendment as an arena league football game. And the Supreme Court’s decision as the Super bowl later this year that should decide whether states can ban gay marriage.
The hold on the Alabama ruling will last until February 9th to give the state time to appeal. The supreme court ruling is expected later this year.
