Dr. Ronnie Floyd, president of the Southern Baptist Convention, took a bold stand at this week’s gathering in Columbus, Ohio, as the Supreme Court prepares to (re?)define marriage. Floyd explained that Christian love extends to everybody, even homosexuals. But that doesn’t mean Christians should succumb to secular pressure. No matter the outcome, Floyd promised to abide by God’s view of marriage. Family Research Council president Tony Perkins writes, “Dr. Floyd asked the delegates if, like the church in ancient Philadelphia, American Evangelicals will keep Jesus’ word and not deny His name (Revelation 3:8). That’s a good question for all of us as we consider how to live in a culture whose government is increasingly hostile to Christian faith. The challenge before us is simple: How will we answer?”

Some highlights from Floyd’s speech:

• “The Supreme Court of the United States is not the final authority nor is the culture itself. The Bible is God’s final authority about marriage and on this book we stand.”

• “While some evangelicals may be bowing down to the deception of the inclusiveness of same-sex marriage, we will not bow down nor will we be silent. We do not need to redefine what God Himself has defined already.”

• “America — we stand believing that marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. We have believed this and do believe this and will continue to believe this as a convention of churches. We stand for biblical and traditional marriage.”

• “I declare to everyone today as a minister of the Gospel — I will not officiate over any same-sex unions or same-sex marriage ceremonies. I completely refuse.”

• “And while we affirm our love for all people, including those struggling with same-sex attraction, we cannot and will not affirm any behavior that deviates from God’s design for marriage.”

• “Our first commitment is to God and His Word — nothing else and no one else.”