Statement Concerning Same-Sex Marriage

COGOP · Office of the General Overseer · Governance

Date May 26, 2015

Language English

Author COGOP

Pages 2

Source Office of the General Overseer

Year 2015

Date May 26, 2015

Language English

Author COGOP

Pages 2

Source Office of the General Overseer

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Statement Concerning Same-Sex Marriage
Office of the General Overseer
June 26, 2015

In response to today’s ruling by the United States Supreme Court regarding same-sex marriage, Church of God of Prophecy General Overseer Sam N. Clements has released the
following statement:

The Church of God of Prophecy believes that marriage is a lifelong institution, established by God, between a man and woman joined as husband and wife. By its very nature, marriage exists for the mutual love and support of spouses, for the procreation and training of children, and as a foundation for community. Marriage as an institution is important to the continuation of the human race and to the dignity, stability, and prosperity of the family unit and society.

Because the marital relationship offers these and many other benefits to the individual, society, and the church, we have clearly stated our position on the sanctity of the institution of marriage. We believe that it is one that must be preserved, protected, and promoted.

The General Assembly of 2006 accepted the document entitled, “The Biblical Institution of Marriage.” Within this document, our organization defined what we believe as biblically
valid marriages. In Section II, Item C-4, the document reads as follows:

Types of Marriages
Almost all known societies operate a complex system, which involves the coexistence of different legal realms within the same national legal system, such as customary law and common law. In various parts of the world, it is common to find the indigenously based customary law existing side by side with the received law, based on that of the former colonial power. Under Roman law, there were two types of marriages: manus marriage, which meant the wife was in “the hands” of her husband (in his legal control); a free marriage, where the wife was not subject to that control; the wife was legally independent (husband not holding legal power over her). The Christian church recognizes these many variations of marriage, with the exception of polygamy, free (common law) marriages, same-sex marriages, or where other elements of biblically lawful marriages have been violated (Important Business Acts of the 94th International Assembly, page 25).

Due to the departure of societies from Judeo-Christian values, the Church renounces biblically unlawful unions, such as same-sex, incestuous, or polygamous marriages, even if they are legal in the eyes of local, state, or national governments (Important Business Acts of the 94th International Assembly, page 25).

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