Just recently the General Synod of the United Church of Christ challenged the North Carolina constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, not based on the 14th amendment as is typical, but based upon the 1st amendment free exercise of religion. The UCC wants to be able to perform same-sex marriages. We live in an age where a church organization fights to disobey the clear Word of God in regards to marriage. That is why we must know and love what God's Word teaches. That is why we must start with the basic principle that God created us male and female.