From World Net Daily

A coalition of Christian organizations is warning that the U.S. Supreme Court does not have the power to redefine the institution of marriage, which predates government, churches and even religion.

The statement comes just as the court is expected to release its ruling on the Proposition 8 case in California and the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

In the Proposition 8 case, a homosexual judge in California ruled that the state’s voters did not have the right to limit marriage to one man and one woman. Voters approved an amendment in 2008 defining marriage only months after the state Supreme Court established same-sex marriage.

DOMA, which was signed into law by President Bill Clinton, states that for federal purposes, only marriage between one man and one woman is recognized. Homosexual activists challenged the law, and President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder announced that they simply would refuse to defend it, even though it is the law of the land and they are charged with enforcing it.

The coalition today released a statement that left no doubt about the intention of its members should the Supreme Court step rule against traditional marriage.

“As Christians united together in defense of marriage, we pray that this will not happen. But, make no mistake about our resolve. While there are many things we can endure, redefining marriage is so fundamental to the natural order and the true common good that this is the line we must draw and one we cannot and will not cross,” they say.

The group includes Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant clergy and leaders.

The statement was drafted by Deacon Keith Fournier, editor of Catholic Online, and chairman of Common Good Alliance, as well as Mat Staver, chairman of Liberty Counsel Action.

It was approved by pastors and other leaders who collectively represent tens of millions of Christians.

While the church leaders candidly admit they have differences on matters of doctrine and practice, they proclaimed solidarity on the issue of marriage.

“Marriage and family have been inscribed by the Divine Architect into the order of creation. Marriage is ontologically between one man and one woman, ordered toward the union of the spouses, open to children and formative of family. Family is the first vital cell of society; the first church, first school, first hospital, first economy, first government and first mediating institution of our social order. The future of a free and healthy society passes through marriage and the family,” it states.

The statement says that the since marriage “predates government,” it cannot be redefined by civil institutions, “including the United States Supreme Court.”

“Redefining the very institution of marriage is improper and outside the authority of the state,” it says. “The Supreme Court has no authority to redefine marriage.”

For more of the story, click here. For the full statement, click here.