MIAMI VALLEY -- Local churches are showing support and opposition after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling favoring same-sex marriage.
Senior Pastor Michael Castle at Harmony Creek Church was so excited when he heard the ruling, he called for an impromptu celebration service.
"The arch of justice is working," Pastor Castle rejoiced.
"Our church has a long commitment of equality of LBGT people and we felt it was appropriate to come and worship and give thanks for the good done today."
Harmony Creek offered up prayer and praise Wednesday night for the ruling. Harmony Creek, which calls itself a 'progressive community of faith', represents just one end of the rainbow.
Not every religious group is praising the high court's decision.
"I think it's a step in the wrong direction," offered Rev. Steve Stiglich of Greater Dayton Association of Baptists.
Stiglich -- who oversees the GDAB, including 100 churches across the area -- fears the decision's impact.
"Most of our laws come from the Bible and what was in the scripture. Basically what this is saying is our country, and our communities therefore following, are taking a step away from God's word," Stiglich said.
Whether rejoicing or condemning the ruling, both sides agree the work is far from over.
Earlier coverage:
DAYTON -- Twelve states, including Washington, D.C., have laws allowing gay marriage. Other states, including Ohio, have either constitutional or statutory bans on same-sex marriage, although California's is now illegal.
But there's now a push underway in Ohio to overturn Ohio's constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages. If 386,000 people sign petitions, you would be able to vote in 2014 on whether to make gay marriage legal.
But the proposed amendment would not compel religious groups to perform same-sex marriages.
While the ruling is seen as a victory for gay couples across the country, not everyone is happy with the High Court's decision.
We spoke with Rev. Steve Stiglich, who oversees the Greater Dayton Association of Baptists, which includes 100 churches across the Miami Valley.
"Most of our laws come from the Bible and what was in the scripture. Basically what this is saying is our country, and our communities therefore following, are taking a step away from God's word," Stiglich said.
He encourages the Christian community to speak up and reach out to their local representatives.
Senior Pastor Michael Castle at Harmony Creek Church was so excited when he heard the ruling, he called for an impromptu celebration service.
"The arch of justice is working," Pastor Castle rejoiced.
"Our church has a long commitment of equality of LBGT people and we felt it was appropriate to come and worship and give thanks for the good done today."
Harmony Creek offered up prayer and praise Wednesday night for the ruling. Harmony Creek, which calls itself a 'progressive community of faith', represents just one end of the rainbow.
Not every religious group is praising the high court's decision.
"I think it's a step in the wrong direction," offered Rev. Steve Stiglich of Greater Dayton Association of Baptists.
Stiglich -- who oversees the GDAB, including 100 churches across the area -- fears the decision's impact.
"Most of our laws come from the Bible and what was in the scripture. Basically what this is saying is our country, and our communities therefore following, are taking a step away from God's word," Stiglich said.
Whether rejoicing or condemning the ruling, both sides agree the work is far from over.
Earlier coverage:
DAYTON -- Twelve states, including Washington, D.C., have laws allowing gay marriage. Other states, including Ohio, have either constitutional or statutory bans on same-sex marriage, although California's is now illegal.
But there's now a push underway in Ohio to overturn Ohio's constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages. If 386,000 people sign petitions, you would be able to vote in 2014 on whether to make gay marriage legal.
But the proposed amendment would not compel religious groups to perform same-sex marriages.
While the ruling is seen as a victory for gay couples across the country, not everyone is happy with the High Court's decision.
We spoke with Rev. Steve Stiglich, who oversees the Greater Dayton Association of Baptists, which includes 100 churches across the Miami Valley.
"Most of our laws come from the Bible and what was in the scripture. Basically what this is saying is our country, and our communities therefore following, are taking a step away from God's word," Stiglich said.
He encourages the Christian community to speak up and reach out to their local representatives.
