Part 1 in a 4 part series.

The battle for the family is heating up with one of the most important issues that could cause a huge tipping point in culture-the redefining of marriage by the Supreme Court.

Can marriage be defined only as a legal relationship between one man and one woman, or can it exist between two consenting adults of the same gender? In 2008, California voters defeated a proposed amendment that would redefine marriage. However, the battle will not stop at the state level. Gay activists want the US government to redefine marriage. Currently nine states recognize same-sex marriage and the majority of the population now favor recognition of gay marriage. more >>

The much awaited discussion on homosexuality between the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and gay-rights activist Peter Tatchell on Thursday at Lambeth Palace in England ended with both men still convinced in their principles.

"It was a very constructive, engaging meeting. But also quite frank with a number of disagreements," Tatchell said, according to Pink News. "We agreed same-sex relationships can be of extraordinary quality and great moral character. But the archbishop's stumbling block is he couldn't make the further step of acknowledging that justified marriage equality."

The Australian-born British political campaigner continued: "Quite clearly Justin Welby is struggling with how he reconciles Christ's gospel of love and compassion with the church's current position which is to oppose marriage equality. I think he took on board my point that discrimination is not a Christian value." more >>

A University of Sioux Falls student is claiming that she was fired from her job as a counselor at a Christian summer camp after voicing her support for same-sex marriage on her personal blog.

Dannika Nash, a native of Sioux Falls, S.D., and a junior at the University of Sioux Falls, claims that she was dismissed from her job as a camp counselor at a summer church camp after writing the April 7 blog post, "An Open Letter to the Church from My Generation."

In the blog, Nash urges the Christian church to change its position on same-sex marriage or risk losing the younger generation of Christians. more >>

Archbishop of Canterbury the Rt. Rev. Justin Welby is set to meet on Thursday with gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, who insists that Christians who are opposed to same-sex marriage are homophobic.

"I applaud the Archbishop's willingness to engage in dialogue – all the more so because he comes from the conservative evangelical wing of the church," Tatchell said, according to San Diego Gay and Lesbian News. "I hope our meeting is not mere window-dressing and good PR for the church. I'm expecting more than tea and sympathy."

In response to a letter by Tatchell accusing the Anglican leader of being homophobic for supporting traditional marriage, Archbishop Welby replied: "Dear Mr Tatchell, Thank you for your very thoughtful letter. It requires much thought and the points it makes are powerful. I would like to explain what I think to you without the mediation of the press, and listen to you in return." more >>

New Zealand's Parliament passed a bill Wednesday that would make it the 13th country in the world to officially legalize same-sex marriage, despite opposition from traditional family groups.

"In our society, the meaning of marriage is universal – it's a declaration of love and commitment to a special person," said Labour MP Louisa Wall, the openly gay politician who introduced the bill. "Nothing could make me more proud to be a New Zealander than passing this bill."

The bill passed with 77 votes in favor and 44 against, BBC News reported. more >>

The average age at which Americans first marry is at a historic high – 27 for women and 29 for men. Should Christians welcome or beat back this trend? The Christian Post asked three Christian leaders to weigh in on this topic.

Bishop Harry Jackson believes Christians should be encouraged to marry young. He will begin preaching on the topic this month and is planning to include the topic in some marriage seminars and youth ministry teaching. As a black pastor, he is particularly concerned about the devastation wrought by single parenthood in black communities.

"With three-fourths of kids in the black community being born out of wedlock and 40 percent of young black women not planning to ever get married, I think what we're doing right now is definitely not working. I want to abandon ship on that other way as quick as I can," said Jackson, senior pastor at Hope Christian Church, Beltsville, Md., and chairman of the High Impact Leadership Coalition and a senior editorial advisor for The Christian Post. more >>