Laguna Beach, Ca. June 27, 2013 — Steve Arterburn, bestselling Christian author, television and radio host, said today: “I continue to be committed to strengthening traditional marriage between a man and a woman.” However, “The decision by the United States Supreme Court today signals an overwhelming change in the direction of how marriage has been widely viewed and accepted in the past.”

Arterburn said on his radio program, “New Life Live,” in response to the ruling: “We as Christians will not honor God by holding up signs of hate to those that have made a decision to be in a same-sex marriage”.

Arterburn stressed that many families of faith have members who are in same-sex relationships. He said, “We must deal compassionately, (judge from) a biblical base and establish a no-shame zone for those in same-sex relationships.”

Addressing the decline in how traditional marriages are viewed, Arterburn said: “We need as Christians to focus on our own marriages, many of which are in poor shape. We have become a bad example to the world as we face the same divorce rate as those couples in secular marriages.”

About Steve Arterburn:

Steve is a New York Times bestselling author, with over 8 million books in print. He is the host of New Life Live the daily call in radio counselling program aired nationally. More at www.newlife.com/media  Steve has two brothers, both gay; one brother died of HIV/AIDS several years ago.