Some have asked, “What is the position of the South Carolina Baptist Convention on same-sex marriage, especially as it relates to the decision handed down by the Supreme Court on June 26, 2015?” The official position of our South Carolina Baptist Convention is the same as the entire Southern Baptist Convention, which has been held since the mid 1800s. Our position is also the believed practice by modern civilizations for thousands of years. We believe in the biblical and traditional definition of marriage, which is the uniting of one man and one woman in a covenant commitment (Genesis 1:26-28). This same position is outlined in Article XVIII stated in the Baptist, Faith and Message 2000 (Confession of Faith adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 2000).
The 5-4 decision by the Supreme Court of the United States on same-sex marriage on June 26 did not, cannot, and will not change our biblical definition on marriage. We will not allow five Supreme Court Justices’ opinion on marriage to dictate or alter our beliefs and practices of marriage in any way as defined in God’s Word.
The decision of SCOTUS no doubt has future implications for God’s church in America relative to our constitutional rights of freedom of religion and freedom of speech. But we will move forward with great faith (not fear) and in the great love of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We will make every attempt to share the redeeming gospel of Jesus with anyone and everyone. Our goal will be to express the love of Christ to all individuals regardless of ethnicity, creed, religious beliefs, or positions on social issues or practices. We will make every effort to not compromise any of Christ’s teachings on sin, salvation, forgiveness, Christian lifestyle and inherent value of others according to the principles that are in the Bible, the inspired Word of God. We respect the constitutional rights of any individual in our country relative to their personal beliefs, but likewise would ask all to respect our beliefs protected under freedom of religion and freedom of speech in the Constitution of the United States.
Richard H. Harris
Interim Executive Director-Treasurer
South Carolina Baptist Convention