With the weight of the Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision to legalize same-sex marriage in all 50 states Friday, the church is likely not caught off-guard, and yet, many churches may be unprepared for the challenges they will face in the coming months.

From North Carolina’s magistrates fighting for a choice in the matter, to the frequent cases of prosecution toward small businesses who refuse services for religious reasons, the church is logically the next group who must decide how to handle the cultural shift.

Justice Anthony Kennedy attempted to allay fears when he wrote for the majority in “Obergefell v. Hodges” Friday:

Finally, it must be emphasized that religions, and those who adhere to religious doctrines, may continue to advocate with utmost, sincere conviction that, by divine precepts, same-sex marriage should not be condoned. The First Amendment ensures that religious organizations and persons are given proper protection as they seek to teach the principles ...