Pastors: Obama Administration 'Bent on Godlessness' in Recognizing Michigan Gay Marriages

The Obama administration’s decision to recognize the marriages of same-sex Michign couples who married last weekend after a federal judge’s ruling striking down Michigan’s ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional isn’t sitting well with some pastors in the state.

The Gospel Herald,  published by an evangelical, transdenominational, christian media company, reported Saturday that pastors fear that recognition fo the marriages by the federal government usurps voters and will adversely affect churches that adhere to Biblical definitions of marriage as between a man and a woman.

The Rev. Kenneth Klett, who preaches at Covenant Presbyterian Church in western Michigan, says Holder’s decision raises moral and political issues and that the Obama administration is “bent on godlessness.”

Holder’s decision means that legally married gay couples may jointly file tax returns, get Social Security benefits for spouses and request legal immigration status for partners.

“Once a precedent is set in a state and made and goes unchallenged it seems it is just a matter of time before the federal government will protect and promote it,” he said. “This is especially the case in defending immorality. Sure enough, within a day Holder intruded into our governor's territory.”

Gov. Rick Snyder has made clear that the marriages that took place in four Michigan counties were lawful and valid, despite the state’s refusal to recognize them pending the outcome of an appeal on the ruling.

Klett was among about 50 pastors who spoke out against gay marriage in February before a nine-day trial on a lawsuit filed by a Hazel Park lesbian couple who were prevented from adopting a child together. The Rev. Stacy Swimp of Flint called it “an unjust threat to voting rights” and the Rev. Roland Caldwell Sr. of Burnette Inspirational Church in Detroit agreed, saying “the fight is on.”

The pastors claim they are part of a majority of Michigan residents who support traditional, Biblically defined marriages, but Klett said they fear they will be silenced by legal threats, according to the report.

Equality Michigan’s February poll painted a much different pictures, with 56 percent of the 600 people surveyed saying they support gay marriage.