Pastors should declare 'Declaration of Dependence' July 5, attorney says

ORLANDO (Christian Examiner) – Remembering "our liberties flow from God," Liberty Counsel, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, is calling for pastors to participate in a "Declaration of Dependence" Sunday, July 5 as America celebrates Independence Day weekend.

Noting the Supreme Court's June 26 decision to legalize same-sex marriage in all 50 states, Mat Staver, Liberty Counsels founder and chairman, said in a news release it's time to follow the example of California pastor Jim Garlow.

"This lawless opinion of five lawyers is merely their own will and not a legal judgment. It has nothing to do with the Constitution. If implemented, good and decent people will be targeted for discrimination and persecution because they continue to believe in marriage that every civilization has upheld. We are now faced with the decision to obey God or five lawyers," Staver said.

Garlow, pastor of Skyline Church in La Mesa, in a sermon clip from June 28 recorded on Vimeo, holds the Supreme Court decision in one hand and the Bible in the other.

"This happens to be one of those times you will make a choice. I made my choice," Garlow said, tossing the decision to the floor and holding the Bible high. This is Who I stand with, not this, and I encourage all to do that same, in the time in which we live."

Staver noted that around the United States there are county clerks and government officials who are refusing to issue same-sex marriage licenses.

"Five lawyers thinking they have the right to overrule the natural created order of marriage as the union of a man and a woman is the height of rebellion," Staver suggested, and in the same spirit of Chief Justice Roberts asked, "Just who do we think we are?"

Staver said people of faith will "pledge obedience to our Creator" when laws created by the "State" are in unjust or in conflict with "higher law."

"Now is the time for each of us to stand up and be counted," Staver urged. "We are calling upon pastors to 'Declare Dependence' upon God."