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+ Defense of Marriage Press Conference Statement

My name is Joseph Mattera and I am the director of City Covenant Coalition, a network of ministers brought together to positively impact our region.

As the sponsor of this event, we have invited a diverse group of Metro New York area clergy, collectively representing thousands of congregations, because we are greatly concerned by recent attempts to redefine marriage.

We stand united to affirm the Biblical view of marriage, held since the beginning of civilization: that marriage is only between a man and a woman. Upholding this position is a crucial quality of life issue that will affect future generations to come.

This sacred covenant should not be altered to satisfy special interest groups and promote the radical agenda of some public officials. Furthermore, we cannot affirm the recent same-sex marriage ceremonies performed by certain clergy whose actions contradict the historic tenets of their faith.

Rather than redefining marriage, our society needs to do all it can to strengthen the institution of traditional marriage and family as one of the foundational building blocks of all civilizations.

We applaud all efforts to ensure that this traditional view of marriage is upheld and protected.

Jesus said "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. (Matthew 19:4-6)

In this passage, Jesus, reflecting on the words of Moses in the book of Genesis, reaffirmed the Biblical belief that marriage is between one man and one woman.

We urge all citizens, and public officials to honor these immortal words and not destroy what God Himself has instituted.

We love, respect and encourage all people to visit our congregations, especially those with questions regarding marriage.