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BERRYVILLE, Ark., June 26, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is submitted by John Michael Talbot:

I have been asked to give my opinion regarding the mandate of approval of gay marriage for all 50 states by the Supreme Court today. No doubt, there will be many initial reactions followed by more thoughtful responses by secular and religious leaders. My response is initial, and meant to bring calm in the midst of the approaching storm through Jesus.

Of course, nations develop in their morality, and their legislation reflects that development. This is often positive. This has been the case in our nation regarding slavery, legal marriage between those of various ethnic backgrounds, women's right to vote, and many other issues that we recognize as positive and good. Some of this development was tumultuous, and not without opposition.

This decision is somewhat different. It touches a more essential understanding of marriage that has been accepted throughout history in both the secular and religious civilizations of time as the fundamental building block of civilized cultures. So, this decision is far more fundamental, radical, and essential.

Still, I am not at all surprised by this decision. The United States has been fundamentally remade by a shift from traditional Judeo Christian moral values to a secular humanist base in recent years. It is only now coming to legal fruition.

I am pleased that the Supreme Court decision still recognizes the fundamental right for religious freedom in the United States. Consequently, ministers and priests of their respective communions and congregations are free to conduct themselves and shepherd their flocks according to their religious principles. No doubt, this could be challenged in the years ahead. But we should take it as it comes, and not create problems and worries before they materialize. They may not.

The Catholic Christian position is that Christian marriage is between one man and one woman, for the complete self emptying of love of one for the other, with procreation possible by natural design under ordinary circumstances. It represents a zenith in moral revelation and development that is not easily understood even by those who might still call themselves Christians, but do not operate with this higher level of sexual morality. In this high morality we in no way disrespect those who differ from us, and love everyone in Christ.

How do Catholic, and various orthodox Christians respond?

We can either curse the darkness, or light a candle. I choose to lovingly and respectfully light a candle with the light of Jesus Christ. We can bemoan it, criticize those who don't agree with us, or focus on Christ, step out of the boat of our safety zones, and walk on water with Jesus! This includes love for all people regardless of secular or religious orientations. We simply proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, who's fundamental principle is forgiveness of sins, and the truth of a morality revealed by God, not humanity alone, to those of all moral beliefs. Let's walk on water with Jesus, and let Jesus convert hearts and minds. He can do it better than we can.

It is only when people change that nations can change. When we change the hearts and minds of each person within our culture, then our laws will eventually reflect that change as well. This happens one human heart at a time. It has changed mighty empires in the past. It can again. For now, our laws reflect the secular humanism of the people within our culture. So, let's pray that this will change through simply living the Gospel of Jesus Christ with integrity, respect, and love for all people everywhere. All things are possible with God!

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In Jesus,
John Michael Talbot
Founder, Spiritual Father, and General Minister
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