In August 2013, same-sex marriage was legal in 13 states and the District of Columbia. By February of this year, Alabama had become the 37th state in which same-sex marriage was declared lawful despite a state constitutional amendment to the contrary that had been adopted by 81 percent of its citizens.
During this 18-month period, news services as diverse as Associated Press and Fox News have carried news stories about steps churches have taken to identify their core beliefs relative to same-sex marriage in the face of a rapidly changing culture.
Some news stories drew attention to pivotal internal policies: Has the church clearly articulated whether it would allow its pastor or other ministry leaders to perform same-sex marriages? Does the church have procedures in place to deal with safety and security issues should it be targeted by activists?
Other stories focused on the church's witness within its community: How does a church redemptively minister to all people while simultaneously holding to a biblical sexual ethic and embracing biblical marriage as the covenantal union of one man and one woman?
Reporters also raised questions concerning public accommodation laws related to the church's building and grounds: Has the church researched local and state laws about external groups renting the church's facilities for a variety of purposes, including weddings?
With the changing cultural landscape in view, churches may wish to consider a wide range of questions. Keep reading
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