Daniel McArthur, manager of the Christian bakery that refused to make a “Support Gay Marriage” cake, is speaking out about his family’s commitment to their beliefs. Ashers Baking Company of Northern Ireland recently declined an order to make a cake featuring Bert and Ernie and the slogan in favor of gay marriage; the family-owned business is facing legal action for the the decision they made based on their religious principles.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, McArthur said that the decision was not intended to cause distress, but to follow what their faith says is says. "We are not discriminating against gay people. Our church's definition of marriage is clear: It's a covenant between a man and a woman, a 6,000-year-old tradition, which is ordained by God. Sexual activity outside marriage is a sin."
According to McArthur, the family talked about the decision and its potential effects before they declined the order. It was a matter of “what our conscience told us against the risk our response might get some public attention,” he said.
As the lawsuit progresses, McArthur says that the family is staying true to their beliefs. "We pray that God will give us the strength to fight this.”
Publication date: July 22, 2014