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Nowhere is the opinion divide on gay marriage sharper than in the nation’s religious communities. And last week’s same-sex marriage ruling will do little to bring agreement on the definition of marriage, a social and religious touchstone that has torn apart families, congregations and entire dioceses.

“I don’t expect the picture in the religious community to change very much with this decision,” said Mary Tolbert, executive director of the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry in Berkeley. “As more and more gays and lesbians marry, it may become less of an issue, but right now I don’t expect much to change, maybe not for a decade.”

While clergy addressing Bay Area liberal congregations this morning, including pioneers in the battle to win legal recognition of gay marriage, are celebrating the decision, many others, including evangelical and Catholic pastors, are decrying the ruling that they say promotes a gay agenda and is at odds with their religious doctrines.

Thursday’s California Supreme Court ruling allowing state-sanctioned same-sex marriages, of course, has no legal consequences for organized religions. Still, the controversial topic has not stopped faith leaders from crossing into the political arena. Faith leaders on both sides of the divide are gearing up for the expected battle over a constitutional amendment, likely headed to the November ballot, that would attempt to overturn Thursday’s ruling and write a ban into the state’s constitution.

Read more: Gay-marriage ruling splits faith leaders - San Jose Mercury News

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