The Marriage Edicts - Hope Thou in God     6/4/2008 By Anne Downey At times the psalmist faced setback upon setback. But he asked himself, "Why art thou cast down O my soul, and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise Him." (Psalm 43:5) This is a great inspiration to us during recent challenging events in America. The decision by four justices of the California Supreme Court to mandate allowing same-sex "marriage" in that state, and the subsequent order by New York Governor David Paterson that all New York State agencies must recognize same-sex "marriages" performed outside New York, have ushered in a new era in which five individuals have imposed their views on millions of Americans. For those of us who understand that traditional marriage serves as the bedrock upon which our society is built, the recent developments come as a blow. But there is good news. People of faith are rising up to condemn the marriage "edicts" and to take action to turn the situation around. Among other steps: Concerned Women for America (CWA) is calling for a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Marriage on June 17, 2008. The hard work of CWA of California and other pro-family groups has gotten a marriage amendment onto the ballot in California in November. The California Secretary of State's office announced the good news June 2. The Alliance Defense Fund today filed a lawsuit in New York to challenge the Governor's directive. Ministers in New York will be gathering in Albany on June 19th for a "Power in the Pulpit" rally. Power in the Pulpit is designed to thank the Senate Republicans and like-minded Senate Democrats who have stood firm on the issue of traditional marriage. Pro-family groups are speaking out in the press and in the legislative halls of California and New York. Many individuals are writing to the New York Governor to make their voices heard. Prayers are being lifted up across America to reverse the edicts and uphold the institution of marriage as between one man and one woman. Sometimes a setback becomes a stepping stone to good things when God's people stand up, make their voices heard, and lift up their prayers. At CWA, we base all our efforts on prayer, educating people about the issues, and taking appropriate action to work for Biblical values in America. Please join us in praying, especially on June 17, and do what you can to assist us in our efforts. Hope thou in God! Anne Downey is the State Director of Concerned Women for America of New York. To get involved in CWA of New York, go to NewYork.cwfa.org or e-mail director@newyork.cwfa.org. To get involved in CWA of California, go to California.cwfa.org or e-mail director@California.cwfa.org. If you would like to get involved with one of our other fine state organizations, please visit the CWA in the States site.