Popular U.S county clerk who has served for 24 years has chosen to resign instead of issuing marriage licenses to same sex couples.
In a letter to the board of supervisors, Grenada County Circuit Clerk, Linda Barnette announced her resignation on Tuesday, citing the Supreme Court's decision to legalize same-sex marriage. She has been the circuit clerk for 24 years, and announced that her resignation is effective immediately. In her resignation letter, she said:
"The Supreme Court's decision violates my core values as a Christian. My final authority is the Bible. I cannot in all good conscience issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples under my name because the Bible clearly teaches that homosexuality is contrary to God's plan and purpose for marriage and family.
I choose to obey God rather than man. I am a follower of Christ and I believe strongly that the Bible is my final authority. The Bible teaches that a marriage is to be between a man and a woman.
Therefore, because of the recent ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court, I can no longer fulfill my duties as Circuit Clerk and issue marriage licenses to same sex couples.
I had already decided in my heart that I could not issue marriage licenses to same sex couples. It’s my Christian belief. As a follower of Christ, I could not do it. What the bible teaches is contrary. Christians are being put to the test. We’re going to see the true Christians who stand. It’s going to be time to stop talking the talk. It’s going to come down to that.
I want to thank the citizens of Grenada County for giving me the honor of serving as their circuit clerk. I choose to obey God rather than man," Barnette wrote.
Mrs. Barnette is married to a pastor who worked with Billy Graham Ministries for many years, so when it came to choosing between her job and her faith – there never was any real debate.
