Christian bakers Daniel and his wife Amy McArthur, who run Ashers Baking Company, lost the appeal they made against a judgment that said they discriminated against gay activist Gareth Lee.
The McArthurs are saddened by this development, but despite all the upheavals they're facing, their faith in God remains strong. "We never meant to cause anyone any offence, but at the same time, as Christians, we've certainly felt victimised by the Equality Commission of Northern Ireland," Daniel told Sky News.
"We're disappointed with the way it went. They didn't consider how much our conscience affects us as Christians, in how we run our business, but we still believe that God is in control," he added.
Daniel said Christians are often branded as "discriminatory or homophobic" because their religious views don't support the homosexual lifestyle and same-sex marriage.
But Daniel believes these critics don't understand the whole picture of their faith.
"I think whenever we've been called those names, the people calling them maybe don't fully grasp the arguments and what's at stake," he said. "Or that as Christians, how our beliefs affect every part of our lives, including running our business, and the decisions that we make in our business."
Meanwhile, some people find it surprising how the McArthurs managed to stand firm on their beliefs, adamantly refusing to bow down to their persecutors.
Daniel said they did not relent because God's teachings on marriage have not changed, no matter what society might be dictating. "Many other Christians our age ... believe that as well," he said.
For her part, Amy said they always have God on their side, so there's no challenge too big for them to face. "I think it's fair to say it's been a hard time, but God has been our rock, and it's just through our trust in Him that we've been able to be unshaken and unmoved by it," she said. "He's really used this time to strengthen our faith in Him, and that's only been a good thing for us as individuals, for our marriage and for our family."
