Religious groups react to Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage

Various religious groups and organizations reacted to the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage.

Here are some of the responses:

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops:

"Just as Roe v. Wade did not settle the question of abortion over 40 years ago, Obergefell v. Hodges does not settle the question of marriage today. Neither decision is rooted in the truth, and as a result, both will eventually fail. Today the Court is wrong again. It is profoundly immoral and unjust for the government to declare that two people of the same sex can constitute a marriage."

Russell Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, assembled a coalition of evangelical leaders to issue a joint statement:

"As evangelical Christians, we dissent from the court's ruling that redefines marriage. The state did not create the family, and should not try to recreate the family in its own image. We will not capitulate on marriage because biblical authority requires that we cannot. The Supreme Court's actions pose incalculable risks to an already volatile social fabric by alienating those whose beliefs about marriage are motivated by deep biblical convictions and concern for the common good."

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

"The Court's decision does not alter the Lord's doctrine that marriage is a union between a man and a woman ordained by God. While showing respect for those who think differently, the Church will continue to teach and promote marriage between a man and a woman as a central part of our doctrine and practice."

Bill Donohue, the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights:

"For people of faith, this decision is ominous. On p. 27, the majority declares that religious Americans 'may continue to advocate with utmost, sincere conviction that, by divine precepts, same-sex marriage should not be condoned.' It is nice to know they respect our First Amendment right to freedom of speech."

Evangelicals for Marriage Equality:

"Though the Supreme Court ruling this morning changed the law of the land, there is still progress to be made in changing the hearts and minds of evangelicals who disagree with civil marriage equality. This progress can only be made when compassionate, respectful dialogue is encouraged within communities of faith."

Steve Fox, chief executive, Central Conference of American Rabbis:

"As Jews, we believe we are all formed in God's image. This compels us to extend and recognize the same rights to everyone in our community, including individuals who identify as straight, gay, lesbian, or transgender. For many years, Reform Judaism rabbis have called for equal rights for all members of our communities, and we see today's Supreme Court decision on marriage equality as a huge moral victory for the United States."

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Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America:

"We reiterate the historical position of the Jewish faith, enunciated unequivocally in our Bible, Talmud and Codes, which forbids homosexual relationships and condemns the institutionalization of such relationships as marriages. Our religion is emphatic in defining marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman. Our beliefs in this regard are unalterable. At the same time, we note that Judaism teaches respect for others and we condemn discrimination against individuals."

Franklin Graham, a Christian evangelist and son of the Rev. Billy Graham, also issued a statement:

"The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled today that same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states. With all due respect to the court, it did not define marriage, and therefore is not entitled to re-define it. Long before our government came into existence, marriage was created by the One who created man and woman — Almighty God — and His decisions are not subject to review or revision by any manmade court. ... I pray God will spare America from His judgment, though, by our actions as a nation, we give Him less and less reason to do so."