The North American Division Responds to Supreme Court Rulings

Supreme Court 2013

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In response to the recent Supreme Court rulings on same-sex marriage, the North American Division has issued the following statement. (Posted July 1, 2013)

Numerous activities among state legislators and courts have recently been occurring in the United States concerning same-sex unions. On June 26, the United States Supreme Court ruled on two landmark decisions regarding same-sex unions.

As Seventh-day Adventists, we believe in strengthening the family and following the biblical principles and patterns that God set forth in His Word for marriage between one man and one woman, the oldest human institution dating back to the sixth day of creation. We cannot deny the biblical pattern anymore than we can deny creation and not undermine the value and validity of the Bible as God's handbook for our lives.

Based on recent developments and decisions, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America is concerned with the growing attacks on the biblical institution of marriage and feels that it is appropriate and necessary to reaffirm the stated positions of the Church as they relate to Christian marriage. Seventh-day Adventists believe that the biblical teaching is still valid today, because it is anchored in the very nature of humanity and God’s plan at creation for marriage.

We reaffirm, without hesitation, our long-standing position. As expressed in the Church's Fundamental Beliefs, "marriage was divinely established in Eden and affirmed by Jesus to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman in loving companionship."

We hold that all people, no matter of their sexual orientation, are children of God. We do not condone singling out any group for scorn and derision, let alone abuse. However, it is very clear that God's Word does not countenance a homosexual lifestyle; neither has the Christian Church throughout her 2000-year history. Seventh-day Adventists believe that the biblical teaching is still valid today, because it is anchored in the very nature of humanity and God's plan at creation for marriage.


-- Pastor Dan Jackson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America


Official voted statement of the Seventh-day Adventist Church: An Affirmation of Marriage



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