Alarmed by a California Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage, churches of many faiths have banded together in support of a measure that would amend the state constitution to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. They have become the single largest force behind the measure, recruiting volunteers, raising money, registering voters, manning phone banks and distributing campaign literature.

Under federal law, religious organizations cannot endorse political candidates but are free to campaign on social issues without endangering their tax-exempt status.

In San Francisco, Services at Saints Peter and Paul Church did not include a call for passage of Prop 8, but the ministry is still behind the effort to get the measure approved.

“I think proposition eight comes out of the aspect of the continuation of life, and it comes from the point of view that the man and woman are the ones that procreate, the ones who give life. And without man and wife there is no future,” said Father John Itzaina, the Pastor of Saint Peters and Paul.
KCBS’ Henry Mulak reports

Along with evangelical Christian groups such as Focus on the Family and Family Research Council, the leaders of Roman Catholic, Mormon, Southern Baptist, Orthodox Jewish and Seventh-Day Adventist congregations have endorsed the measure and urged the faithful to give.

The Knights of Columbus have given nearly $1.3 million, making the Catholic fraternal organization the largest single contributor to Yes on 8. Donations from individual Mormons account for more than $6.4 million of about $17.3 million raised so far, according to Mormonsfor8.com, a Web site set up by a church member.

Thousands of same-sex couples have tied the knot in California in the three months since the nation's most populous state legalized gay marriage. Massachusetts is the only other state to allow gays to wed.

But there is opposition within the Christian faith.

“Proposition eight is a civil issue having to do with the constitutional rights of individuals. It does not in any way threaten particular traditions and denominational stances on marriage. It’s misinformation to claim that it does,” said Reverand Doctor Diana Gibson, who leads the Council of Churches of Santa Clara County.

A coalition of religious leaders called California Faith for Equality has been working to persuade people of faith to oppose the ballot measure on spiritual and social justice grounds. California's Episcopal bishops also have come out against the measure, which a Field Poll reported last week was opposed by 55 percent of likely voters.

"Everybody understands that Jesus, in his own culture, was notorious and persecuted for consorting with outcasts," said the Rev. Peter Laarman, a United Church of Christ minister who opposes the gay marriage ban. "When Jesus said all are welcome at the table, I think he really meant all."

So with procreation in mind, an interfaith coalition in California has started a campaign to get the ban on same sex marriage passed.

But there is opposition within the Christian faith.

“Proposition eight is a civil issue having to do with the constitutional rights of individuals. It does not in any way threaten particular traditions and denominational stances on marriage. It’s misinformation to claim that it does,” said Reverand Doctor Diana Gibson, who leads the Council of Churches of Santa Clara County.

Another minister with the

proposition eight is not a political issue, but a very spiritual issue. She says they will ask their parishioners to get out and raise support to get people to vote "yes" on the proposed state constitutional amendment, banning same sex marriage.