Religious Responses to Marriage Equality

by Luke Perry

Overview

The Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) ended a 20-year political battle over same-sex marriage in the USA. The ruling in favor of a constitutional right for gays and lesbians to marry reflected growing social acceptance and political rights for gays and lesbians. At the same time, America remains a deeply religious country and many religious organizations have long opposed same-sex marriage. How do religious organizations interpret, process, and respond to shifting attitudes and public policy toward the LGBT community?

Examining how religious groups in America have responded theologically and politically to the legalization of same-sex marriage, the book provides case studies from across the American religious spectrum to explore how each group understands same-sex marriage and has reacted theologically, socially, and politically to its new standing as a constitutional right. Each case study focuses on formal statements made by church leaders, incorporates original data gathered from interviews with regional and local religious authorities, and analyzes existing polling data of adherents at large.

Offering a comprehensive examination of religious responses to marriage equality in the USA, this book will interest scholars and students in the fields of religion and politics, civil rights, social change, and public policy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780367590628
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/14/2020
Series:	Routledge Studies in Religion and Politics
Pages:	152
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Luke Perry is professor and chair of the Department of Government and Politics at Utica College, and director of The Utica College Center of Public Affairs and Election Research. Perry was a graduate fellow at the University of Massachusetts where he earned an M.A. and Ph.D. in Political Science with expertise in American politics and comparative politics. A Fulbright Scholar, Perry has lectured at universities throughout Europe and worked with various organizations, including the Washington Center, Junior Statesmen of America, the Kellogg Foundation, and the U.S. Peace Corps. Perry’s current research focuses on U.S. elections, the presidency, and religion and politics.

Table of Contents

List of figures viii

List of boxes x

1 The advancement of marriage equality 1

2 Evangelical Protestants and marriage equality 15

3 Mainline Methodists and marriage equality 43

4 Mainline Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and marriage equality 62

5 Roman Catholics and marriage equality 91

6 Religious minorities and marriage equality 107

Conclusion - understanding religious responses to marriage equality 122

Bibliography 139

Index 141

Editorial Reviews

"Social change can be a confounding topic to study in meaningful and comprehensive ways. Perry’s work makes excellent use of detailed case studies to show how sections of society interact with changing social norms. The religious responses show as much about the evolving nature of American politics as they do the individual traditions."

Christopher Cronin, Associate Professor of Political Science, Methodist University, USA

"The book sets out a clear goal of evaluating the American religious landscape and the more than 30-year history of responding to the Obergefell v. Hodges case. It clearly accomplishes this goal with history, theology, and a well written conclusion that draws readers into the many questions related to this religious and political question. This is to be applauded as it is such a concise reflection. […] The book is invaluable in respect to what it provides in such a succinct manner. Readers will benefit from the religious and political history, the interviews and insights offered by current leaders, and the author’s conclusions and reflections."

Randall Woodard, Florida – INTAMS journal "Marriage, Families & Spirituality" 28/1 (2022)

From the Publisher