Same-sex marriage is an often discussed topic in the Christian church. Christians will argue that it is immoral and is corrupting the sanctity of marriage, while many politicians who support it will say that a ban against it violates the Fourteenth Amendment, guaranteeing all citizens "equal protection of the laws." The decision is left up to each state whether or not to allow same-sex marriage, and there have been numerous demonstrations and protests both for and against its legalization. Shortly before the decision was made in Illinois, there was a demonstration in the capital by people in favor of marriage. The next day, there was another demonstration by an estimated 2,500 people who packed the Capitol rotunda and grounds and challenged lawmakers to uphold Christian teachings and ban same-sex marriage. Bishop Larry Trotter of Chicago's Sweet Holy Spirit Church called on Christians to "get back into service" to keep our country "moral" and prevent same-sex marriage from becoming a reality in Illinois (Garcia). The Christian church may believe that homosexuality is a sin, but its lack of tact in defending its views is driving homosexual people away from the church. A series of emails were sent to a Springfield church congregation around the time the sexual marriage bill was being voted on. The first email, sent prior to the bill's passage in Illinois, asked members to make their opposition to the bill known to the House of Representatives and ask them to vote against and extend the bill's passage. law. The second, sent to the congregation after the bill's passage, provided for a prayer service, which was to be a night of repentance and include a revival cry. The latter included a separate piece of paper. Holding signs and shouting into megaphones to tell people they are sinners who need Jesus will only drive them away from the church and make them feel persecuted and unwanted. By asking MPs to deny same-sex couples the same rights, opposite-sex couples will only further their contempt for the church. Compassion and understanding are what makes a person want to find Christ, not condemnation and petty judgment. Works Cited Garcia, Monique. “Gay Marriage Enemies Rally in Springfield.” ChicagoTribune.com. np, 23 October 2013. Web. 9 May 2014. The Holy Bible, new international version. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2001. Print.Winfield, Nicole and Rachel Zoll. "Pope: obsession with gays, abortion is bad for the Church". NBCBayArea.com. NBCUniversal Media, LLC, September 19, 2013. Web. May 9 2014.