8 major religious groups in US prohibit same-sex marriage, according to study

Eight of the largest religious institutions in the United States oppose same-sex marriage, which was recently legalised by the Supreme Court nationwide.

According to a recent study by Pew Research Center, the major religious groups in America that prohibit gay marriages include American Baptist Churches, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon), Islam, and Roman Catholicism.

Other religion institutions that do not allow unions between individuals of the same sexes are Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Orthodox Jewish Movement, Southern Baptist Convention and the United Methodist Church.

In a statement last Friday, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the fourth largest Christian denomination in the US, acknowledged the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage but maintained it does not approve of such unions.

"The Court's decision does not alter the Lord's doctrine that marriage is a union between a man and a woman ordained by God," the Christian church said.

It also stressed that families with a mother and a father are the "anchor of society."

"While showing respect for those who think differently, the Church will continue to teach and promote marriage between a man and a woman as a central part of our doctrine and practice," the church said.

For Muslims, meanwhile, marriage is strictly "a contract between a man and a woman in which the man provides the woman with financial support in return for exclusive sexual access."

There were past attempts within the United Methodist Church to change their Book of Discipline to allow same-sex marriage, but its faithful rejected the move in a General Conference in 2012.

The religious groups that allow same-sex marriage, meanwhile, include the Conservative Jewish Movement, the Episcopal Church, the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Reform Jewish Movement, the Society of Friends, the United Church of Christ, and the Unitarian Universalist Association of Churches.

related articles
These Bible verses directly address God\'s definition of marriage and homosexuality
These Bible verses directly address God's definition of marriage and homosexuality

These Bible verses directly address God's definition of marriage and homosexuality

Exclusive: Most Catholics do not accept Church doctrine on contraception, divorce or cohabitation - study
Exclusive: Most Catholics do not accept Church doctrine on contraception, divorce or cohabitation - study

Exclusive: Most Catholics do not accept Church doctrine on contraception, divorce or cohabitation - study

Kentucky clerk sued for refusing same-sex marriage licenses
Kentucky clerk sued for refusing same-sex marriage licenses

Kentucky clerk sued for refusing same-sex marriage licenses

US Christian colleges wary of tax-exempt status loss after same-sex marriage ruling
US Christian colleges wary of tax-exempt status loss after same-sex marriage ruling

US Christian colleges wary of tax-exempt status loss after same-sex marriage ruling

Christian clerks, bakers take stand against Supreme Court ruling on same-sex union
Christian clerks, bakers take stand against Supreme Court ruling on same-sex union

Christian clerks, bakers take stand against Supreme Court ruling on same-sex union

Montana man, inspired by legalisation of same-sex union, seeks to marry 2nd wife
Montana man, inspired by legalisation of same-sex union, seeks to marry 2nd wife

Montana man, inspired by legalisation of same-sex union, seeks to marry 2nd wife

More Americans back override of federal court rulings if state officials oppose them
More Americans back override of federal court rulings if state officials oppose them

More Americans back override of federal court rulings if state officials oppose them

\'Christian America is under siege\': Faith leaders unite vs. same-sex marriage ruling
'Christian America is under siege': Faith leaders unite vs. same-sex marriage ruling

'Christian America is under siege': Faith leaders unite vs. same-sex marriage ruling

9 in 10 Evangelicals not in favour of US Supreme Court\'s same-sex marriage ruling
9 in 10 Evangelicals not in favour of US Supreme Court's same-sex marriage ruling

9 in 10 Evangelicals not in favour of US Supreme Court's same-sex marriage ruling

News
Civil rights leader Rev Jesse Jackson dies at 84
Civil rights leader Rev Jesse Jackson dies at 84

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a longtime civil rights activist and former presidential candidate who garnered controversy over his political activism and personal misconduct, has died at age 84.

Pastor considers legal action after arrest over comments on Islam and transgender ideology
Pastor considers legal action after arrest over comments on Islam and transgender ideology

The Alliance Defending Freedom warns of more such arrests if the government introduces its much-maligned definition of 'anti-Muslim hatred'.

Why do Christians observe Shrove Tuesday?
Why do Christians observe Shrove Tuesday?

17 February 2026 is Shrove Tuesday, the traditional day for eating pancakes before the start of Lent. This is the story …

CoE announces £400,000 to get young people into choirs
CoE announces £400,000 to get young people into choirs

Most CoE choirs currently have no children involved.