BJU, Charleston Diocese Disappointed in DOMA Ruling

Religious leaders in South Carolina took issue with the Supreme Court ruling against the Defense of Marriage Act.

Bob Jones University officials said that the school was disappointed with the Supreme Court's decision. 

"In its decisions, the Supreme Court ignored the will of the people expressed through the ballot box and their elected representatives in Congress," school officials said in an issued statement.

The University called for believers to strengthen their own relationships and to demonstrate God's intention for marriage.

"We exalt in the fact that God is on the throne — and no Supreme Court, Congress or President supersedes His authority in the world. This decision should encourage believers to honor God by strengthening their own relationships and positively demonstrating His original intention for marriage to our children, grandchildren and the world at large."

Read the school's full statement at the bottom of this story. 

The Catholic church also spoke out against the ruling.

Diocese of Charleston Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone also took issue with the Supreme Court's decision, calling the decision a "profound injustice."

"Marriage is a life-long commitment between a man and woman. It is the only union in which the husband and wife form a total communion of persons and serve as the foundation of the family. Marriage provides any child who comes from their union with the secure support of a mother and father; the difference between a mom and a dad matters. Moreover, marriage and the family are a vital part of society. Husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, perform an essential role by teaching family members and society the immense dignity of each human person and what it means to love and be loved. Marriage is a personal relationship with great public significance - not a private affair - that affects all in society. 

Read his full comments here. 

Full statement from Bob Jones University: 

Bob Jones University is disappointed with today’s Supreme Court decisions regarding the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and California’s Proposition 8 which affirmed marriage as being between one man and one woman.

In its decisions, the Supreme Court ignored the will of the people expressed through the ballot box and their elected representatives in Congress. 

As believers, we are called to defend Scripture as our authority for life and belief. Bob Jones University believes what the Bible says about itself – that all Scripture is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 

When it comes to the matter of sexual expression, the Bible speaks with a clarity and consistency that spans both Old and New Testaments. The Bible advances a monogamous heterosexual marriage relationship as God’s intention from the beginning. 

We exalt in the fact that God is on the throne – and no Supreme Court, Congress or President supersedes His authority in the world. This decision should encourage believers to honor God by strengthening their own relationships and positively demonstrating His original intention for marriage to our children, grandchildren and the world at large.