The leadership of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) is disappointed in the US Supreme Court ruling that fundamentally redefines the scripturally based, millennia-old definition of marriage. We continue to hold that marriage is between one man and one woman (Gen. 2:18-25; Matt. 19:4-6; Eph. 5:31).
Presiding Bishop Dr. A. D. Beacham, Jr. states:
“I join with millions of Americans in expressing my disappointment in the U.S. Supreme Court decision. They have made law something that is contrary to God’s will. The IPHC position on marriage is clear and we will not abandon revealed truth in God’s Word.
As our society experiences the increasing problems that will unfold in our rapidly decaying moral foundation, it is our opportunity as followers of Jesus to be His light and salt in our society.
We will not respond to this in fear, but in holy boldness to re-consecrate our lives to Christ, showing His love to all and manifesting the blessings of His righteousness to all.”
As a member of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), the IPHC agrees with the statement of President Leith Anderson:
“As evangelicals, we look to the Bible — not the courts — for guidance on life. Marriage is a God-ordained, covenant relationship between a man and a woman. May this court decision be a clarion call to American evangelicals to proclaim and exhibit the good news about biblical marriage.”
We refuse to respond in fear or anger, but remain committed to showing Christ’s love to every person and by doing so invite everyone to the knowledge of truth found in Scripture. The IPHC encourages our members to respond in a Christ-like manner to those who do not share their views on marriage.
As the implications of this ruling become clearer, we ask the government to respect the rights of Christians and other religious groups who disagree with this decision.
The IPHC position on marriage has not changed and is expressed clearly in our church manual. Presiding Bishop Beacham encourages IPHC ministers and congregations in the United States to follow the guidelines in the IPHC Manual regarding God-ordained marriages and ceremonies.
Links to responses from other Pentecostal and evangelical groups: National Association of Evangelicals, Hispanic Evangelical Association, President Mohler of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Church of God of Prophecy, Church of God, Church of God in Christ, Assemblies of God, Orthodox Church in America
This response is also available in Spanish.
Image: Creation Swap