The Supreme Court of California struck a blow against marriage and ruled that same-gender marriage, contrary to thousands of years of human evolution and societal norms, shall be permitted by the state as the right of the people. This ruling struck down California legislation that defined marriage for what it is: a union between one man and one woman.

As may be expected, there has been a flurry of activity online against and for measures to protect marriage. Two prominent posts I am aware of are: “Supporting the Church’s position on SSM (part 2)” by Geoff B. of The Millennial Star, and “Affirmation, California, and the LDS Church” by Connor of Connor’s Conundrums.

Regarding families, one of the most important documents to Latter-day Saints is The Family: A Proclamation to the World (often called “The Family Proclamation”) issued by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1995. The beginning says:

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God

When the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declared what marriage is, as defined and ordained by God, the debate on this issue came to an end. The prophets have spoken, and thus God Himself has spoken. He said, “Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38). Thus, God has spoken.

Furthermore, we cannot say we are sustaining the Brethren when we oppose what they have revealed and what they have directed. The Church does not support same-gender marriage. The Church opposes any effort to legalize same-gender marriage. The Church has declared that same-gender marriage is wrong and unacceptable, most importantly wrong and unacceptable to God. Thus, it is the duty of Latter-day Saints, who sustain the Brethren and desire to follow Christ, to likewise oppose same-gender marriage. Simply not doing anything to support it will not count: we must oppose it and do everything we can to defeat such measures.

Indeed, we have covenanted in the Temple to consecrate everything to the Church. And so when the First Presidency and/or the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles calls upon us to act on this covenant, using our time, talents, money, and everything which God has blessed us with, we must comply or risk breaking the covenant we have made. When the Prophet says, “Go and do,” we must fully comply. He or she who does not, or who opposes such compliance, has set underfoot the holy things of God and stands in need of great repentance.

Making one’s calling and election sure does not come when one has obeyed enough: it comes when it is that whatever may come, one will obey. The Saints of the Lord go and do when called upon to go and do. I am so very grateful for those Latter-day Saints who sustain and support the Brethren in this issue, and I pray Heavenly Father will bless their efforts with success and with blessings upon their heads for their obedience and humility.