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Evangelical Leader First to Speak to National Media on Same-Sex Marriage Rulings

Contact: Peggy Nienaber, Faith and Action, 202-546-8329, 202-236-0953 mobile, peggy@faithandaction.org

WASHINGTON, June 26, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Reverend Rob Schenck (pronounced "Shank"), chairman of the Evangelical Church Alliance and president of Faith and Action in Washington, DC, was present today in the courtroom at the US Supreme Court and was the first to address the national media outside immediately following decisions on two cases on same-sex marriage. The following is his opening statement:

    I am Rev. Rob Schenck, president of Faith and Action here in Washington, DC and chairman of the Evangelical Church Alliance headquartered in Bradley, IL.

    No matter how any of us feel about the outcomes in these cases, one thing is true: the Supreme Court has no authority when it comes to the nature of marriage; that authority belongs to the Creator, whom our founders declared is the source of all our rights. The public conversation over marriage continues and that's a good thing.

    When it comes to the Defense of Marriage Act, there are a myriad of perspectives among evangelicals, but some believe it's best to get the federal government out of as many areas as possible, including marriage. So there are those of us who are disappointed with the Court's action on DOMA, while others who say, Yay! Another tooth has been extracted from the federal monster!

    The question of whether the people will get to decide for themselves how marriage will be practiced in their states appears to await another day, and that's a good question to pursue. We're disappointed in the short-term that the question remains unsettled, but the public conversation continues and that's a good thing.

    One thing true about today's court decisions on marriage: They do not change the biblical or timeless nature of true marriage as between a man and a woman. But just as importantly, for Christians of traditional faith, like the evangelicals for whom I speak, today's decisions are an invitation to look at the reality of same-sex couples and families differently -- through the lens of God's love and to seek to minister, with grace and mercy, to all people. The Gospel is open to all regardless of their sexual orientation or the configuration of their families. This is a challenge our folks need to meet, and in prayer and with God's wisdom, I know we'll meet it.

Schenck made extended remarks following his comments to the media. They can be found at www.faithandaction.org

Dr. Schenck is available for interviews. Contact Peggy Nienaber at 202-546-8329, mobile 202-236-0953 or peggy@faithandaction.org