By Michael McGuire

The California Southern Baptist Convention is offering help to local churches wanting to change their by-laws to reflect possible changes in the legal definition of marriage.

Baptist officials on Wednesday made available "sample bylaws to defend biblical marriage.

"As the battle for biblical truth about marriage continues to rage, every local congregation should take some simple steps to clarify its position on the marriage issue," Baptists said in an email message.

Included in the sample language is the paragraph:

1. Marriage - Marriage is a biblical institution established by God as clearly described in the scriptures. This Church recognizes that marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. Accordingly, this Church, its pastors, staff and members will not participate in same sex unions or same sex marriages, nor shall its property or resources be used for such purposes.

2. Human Sexuality - The Bible teaches that legitimate sexual relations are exercised solely within marriage. Hence, this Church opposes all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography.

http://www.examiner.com/political-buzz-in-modesto/gay-marriages-prompt-changes-baptist-by-laws