'Christian America is under siege': Faith leaders unite vs. same-sex marriage ruling

A protester holds a sign against same-sex marriage in front of the US Supreme Court in Washington DC. Reuters

Seeking to defend their Christian beliefs and religious freedom, leaders from 11 faith groups recently gathered in front of the Supreme Court to highlight the negative impact of the ruling legalising same-sex marriage across the United States.

During a press briefing at the high court's steps on Wednesday, Gualberto Garcia Jones, executive director of the International Human Rights Group, described the legalisation of same-sex marriage as a direct attack on the Christian faith.

"Christian America is under siege by the forces of secularism. ...There is no doubt that the advocates of same sex marriage will attempt to use the full force of the US Government to force Christians to secularise," he said.

Garcia, who is also the Latin American bureau chief for LifeSiteNews' Spanish and Portuguese website NotiFam.com, also criticised the high court magistrates for encroaching on the role of Congress to legislate.

"As a lawyer, I am shocked that the highest court in the land has definitively abandoned its role as arbiters of cases and controversies before them in order to become a super legislature of enlightened social engineers," he said.

LifeSite News Editor-in-chief John Henry Westen, meanwhile, warned that the legalisation allowing gay marriages may lead to the repression of those who do not agree with the ruling, including Christians.

"In Ireland when it passed, same-sex resisters were told that they could be jailed for six months; churches faced fines for denying same-sex ceremonies. In France, they forbid negative speech against homosexuality," he said.

Westen also encouraged American Christians to continue defending their faith.

"And so those policies, at least if they're upfront and known, will at least be showing 'Look, we are here for the whole Christian teaching of God's design for human sexuality which we believe and practice and therefore we're not being discriminatory at all,'" he said.

During the event, several faith organisations also gave statements fighting for religious freedom, including the American Life League, the Cardinal Newman Society, 2nd Vote, Lepanto Institute and CitizenGo.

related articles
Pastors\' group urges action to oppose court ruling on same-sex marriage
Pastors' group urges action to oppose court ruling on same-sex marriage

Pastors' group urges action to oppose court ruling on same-sex marriage

Americans should elect next president who will \'restore true marriage in law\' — group
Americans should elect next president who will 'restore true marriage in law' — group

Americans should elect next president who will 'restore true marriage in law' — group

Christian activist Meeke Addison: Same-sex  marriage is not equal to skin discrimination
Christian activist Meeke Addison: Same-sex marriage is not equal to skin discrimination

Christian activist Meeke Addison: Same-sex marriage is not equal to skin discrimination

Pastor Greg Laurie tells Christians: \'Stand your ground since church is under attack\'
Pastor Greg Laurie tells Christians: 'Stand your ground since church is under attack'

Pastor Greg Laurie tells Christians: 'Stand your ground since church is under attack'

US Christian colleges wary of tax-exempt status loss after same-sex marriage ruling
US Christian colleges wary of tax-exempt status loss after same-sex marriage ruling

US Christian colleges wary of tax-exempt status loss after same-sex marriage ruling

Christian clerks, bakers take stand against Supreme Court ruling on same-sex union
Christian clerks, bakers take stand against Supreme Court ruling on same-sex union

Christian clerks, bakers take stand against Supreme Court ruling on same-sex union

Montana man, inspired by legalisation of same-sex union, seeks to marry 2nd wife
Montana man, inspired by legalisation of same-sex union, seeks to marry 2nd wife

Montana man, inspired by legalisation of same-sex union, seeks to marry 2nd wife

More Americans back override of federal court rulings if state officials oppose them
More Americans back override of federal court rulings if state officials oppose them

More Americans back override of federal court rulings if state officials oppose them

News
Church cautiously welcomes Northern Ireland government programme
Church cautiously welcomes Northern Ireland government programme

The document outlines the governing priorities of Northern Ireland’s government.

Pope looks to Christ during 'period of trial'
Pope looks to Christ during 'period of trial'

In his weekly Angelus address, Pope Francis gave praise to God as the one who never abandons us, even in times of severe trial.

Ukraine imprisons Christian conscientious objector
Ukraine imprisons Christian conscientious objector

Serhy Semchuk was sentenced to five years and has had all appeals rejected

Homeless man charged with terrorism after 'fake' attack threat against Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church
Homeless man charged with terrorism after 'fake' attack threat against Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church

A homeless man alleged to have threatened a deadly gas attack on Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, on Christmas Eve has been indicted on a federal terrorism charge.