Statement to the Members of the Press

Good morning. I'm Bishop Keith Butler, pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center Church. With me today I have Bishop Andrew Merritt of Straight Gate Ministries, Bishop Charles Ellis of Greater Grace Ministries, Bishop Wayne T. Jackson of Great Faith Ministries, Pastor Marvin Winans of Perfecting Church and Rev. Dr. Edgar L. Vann of Second Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Together, we pastor some of the largest and most influential African-American ministries in the state of Michigan. We are here today to announce our support of the joint resolution proposing an amendment to the state constitution of 1963. The language for this legislation states:

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the state constitution of 1963, by adding section 25 to article I, to define marriage as only between one man and one woman.

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the state of Michigan, that the following amendment to the state constitution of 1963, to define marriage as only between one man and one woman, is proposed, agreed to, and submitted to the people of the state:

ARTICLE I

Sec. 25. To secure and preserve the benefits of marriage for our society and for future generations of children, only marriage between one man and one woman shall be recognized as valid in this state.

No other relationship shall be recognized as a marriage or its legal equivalent by the state, its political subdivisions, or educational institutions under Article VIII, regardless of whether such a relationship is recognized by the laws of any jurisdiction outside of this state.

Resolved further, That the foregoing amendment shall be submitted to the people of the state at the next general election in the manner provided by law.

We support the state of Michigan codifying marriage between a man and a woman only. We urge the other members of both the state Senate and House of Representatives to support this legislation, and we also urge the governor's support.