More than 30 religious leaders in the United States, including Presiding Bishop Gary E. Stevenson from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have reaffirmed their shared commitment to marriage and religious freedom in an open letter titled, "The Defense of Marriage and the Right of Religious Freedom: Reaffirming a Shared Witness."
The letter, addressed to all those in public service, comes just days before the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the rights of states to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
"In this and in all that we do, we are motivated by our duty to love God and neighbor," the letter says. "This love extends to all those who disagree with us on this issue. The well-being of men, women, and the children they conceive compels us to stand for marriage as the union of one man and one woman. We call for the preservation of the unique meaning of marriage in the law, and for renewed respect for religious freedom and for the conscience rights of all in accord with the common good."