As expected, Jim Mnnery from the Alaska Family Action responded to yesterday’s ruling by District Court Judge Timothy Burgess, striking down Alaska’s gay marriage ban. Among other things, he called the decision a “subversion of the democratic process” and Burgess, who was appointed by President George W. Bush and confirmed by a Republican-led Senate, “a foot soldier,” who “fell right in line with the rest of the activist courts.”

Here are some of Minner’s takeaway’s from the decision:

• Political and Cultural Victories Come and Go – Moral Absolutes Never Change – How many people in 1973 thought the abortion issue was permanently decided for the country with the Roe v Wade ruling ? The progressives had won the war and sealed the deal. Right ? Not even close. Our culture, for the most part, is now more pro-life than ever. Laws protecting women and unborn children and holding abortion clinics accountable have passed in record numbers in state legislatures across the country including right here in Alaska. Decades of hard work by those in the crisis pregnancy center movement. Peaceful vigils and prayers for abortion workers. Sanctity of life educational curricula that has inspired and emboldened new faces to stand up. Underground investigations of what really goes on in abortion clinics. 4-D ultrasound technology eradicating the myth that a pre-born child is nothing more than a “mass of cells.” All of these efforts have changed a culture because the facts about abortion and life never changed. Society simply had to be exposed to what was real. It is the same with marriage.  Now – the work begins. It’s time to pull up our sleeves and to do it with good cheer – John 16:33

• Elections Matter – On Tuesday, November 4th, Alaskans will be voting on their next U.S. Senator, U.S. House member, Governor and State legislative members. Equip yourself to know where candidates stand on important issues regarding marriage, life and other areas and vote your values.  Click here for our 2014 Alaska Values Voter Guide. Judges, like Tim Burgess, who was actually appointed by President George W. Bush, will often flagrantly violate the bounds of their authority but we must keep vigilant. Wecan get better people in office who will represent and stand for truth, and appoint better judges, but only as you and I and more like us stay engaged. Time to lick our wounds and move on.

• Threats To Religious Liberty Are Greater Than Ever – Although we were successful in 2010 in holding off a Municipality of Anchorage ordinance that would have added sexual orientation and gender identity to the city’s non-discrimination code, we are now essentially guaranteed that this battle, and many others like it, will come back in full force. As same-sex “marriage” becomes more of the norm in Alaska, lawyers and their LGBTQ clients will be anxious to do their part in making sure you “accommodate” same-sex couples in every area of life – regardless if it infringes upon deeply held convictions you, your business, church or ministry holds. Those of us with natural views of marriage may find ourselves “tolerated” less and less down the road. We must stand strong with grace and become much more aware of our right to live our lives consistent with our values. Click HERE to learn more.

• Same Sex Marriage Is An Opportunity – Al Mohler Jr., one of my favorite writers, has said that “homosexuality is a ‘first-order’ theological issue as it presents itself in the current cultural debate. Fundamental truths essential to the Christian faith are at stake in this confrontation.”   In every culture and at every time, the message of Jesus giving His life up for sinners deeply in need of forgiveness, like you and I, is always met with pushback and often hostility.  We need to dive deeper into why we really believe in natural marriage according to God’s Word and pray about how we can convincingly and lovingly present it to those who vehemently disagree with us. We should go forth with humility and ” Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15