South Bay religious leaders oppose Supreme Court marriage ruling
SAN JOSE (KGO) -- For Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, Ken Yeager, the High Court's decision on same-sex marriage has special meaning. He came out as a gay man 31 years ago and thinks it will help younger gays.
"This just sort of sends the signal, especially to young people, that they don't have to believe that they aren't as good as everybody else. And I think that's just the sort of changes, the whole dynamic, that everybody is going to feel more accepted," said Yeager.
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Two years ago, he even put on a judicial robe and performed civil same-sex ceremonies in his Board of Supervisors office to demonstrate his support.
However, for some religious leaders, especially in more conservative congregations, the Supreme Court decision does not change how they read and interpret Scripture.
Pastor Dick Bernal leads the 12,000 member Evangelical Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose.
"The Bible warned us, told us, that in the last days, people are going to fall away from Biblical morality, and I'm seeing it with my own eyes. I've lived long enough to see this, but again, I'm not going to lose any sleep tonight," said Pastor Dick Bernal.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or Mormon Church, issued a statement from its headquarters in Salt Lake City: "While showing respect for those who think differently, the Church will continue to teach and promote marriage between a man and a woman as a central part of our doctrine and practice."
The pastor at Paradise Baptist Church in Oakland said there is danger when people go against the will of God. Pastor Leon McDaniel believes government has overstepped its authority.
"Marriage is Biblical. It is actually God's idea. God would have government simply record it, but not to regulate," said McDaniel.
PDF: Supreme Court opinion on same-sex marriage
PDF: Supreme Court summary of Obergefell vs Hodges
PHOTOS: Reactions to U.S. Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage
For full coverage on the same-sex marriage battle, click here.
