The Memphis-based Church of God in Christ just issued this statement regarding President Obama’s statement in support of same-sex marriage:

In direct response to President Barack Obama’s public statement of support for same sex marriage, the Church of God in Christ, Inc. (COGIC), reiterates its position on same sex marriage. The General Assembly of the Church of God in Christ, adopted a position statement on April 13, 2004. Our belief remains unchanged.

Marriage: A Proclamation to COGIC Worldwide

We, the Presiding Bishop, the General Board and the Board of Bishops of the Church of God in Christ, solemnly proclaim that the institution of marriage was established and ordained by God (Genesis 2:24). Therefore “God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him, male and female created he them” (Genesis 1:27). He created “the woman for the man” (I Corinthians 11:9). Therefore, “marriage is honorable” (Hebrews 13:4).

We believe that since the beginning of recorded history, in most cultures of the world; marriage has been defined as the lawful union of one man and one woman. The traditional form of marriage is one of the bedrock institutions of most societies. We, therefore, affirm the preservation of the present definition of marriage as being the legal union of one man and one woman as husband and wife.

Therefore, in spite of the progressive normalization of alternative lifestyles and the growing legal acceptance of same-sex unions; we declare our opposition to any deviation from traditional marriages of male and female. Notwithstanding the rulings of the court systems of the land in support of same-sex unions; we resolve that the Church of God in Christ stand resolutely firm and never allow the sanctioning of same-sex marriages by its clergy nor recognize the legitimacy of such unions.