Pastors and bishops among a team of over 60 nationally known African-American leaders are launching a nationwide campaign to derail the movement to legalize homosexual marriage and civil unions and affirm that they homosexual “marriage” is not a civil right.

"You insult African-Americans when you say that this is a civil rights issue,” said Bishop Paul Morton, pastor of Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church in New Orleans, LA, who is part of the group. “I can't change the color of my skin, but you can change your lifestyle."

Just the previous week, the group called on the Congressional Black Caucus, who receives much of their support from the faith-based community, to offer legislation that will protect marriage as being between one man and one woman, during a Washington D.C. press conference on May 17. That same day, Massachusetts legalized same-sex marriages and began issuing licenses.

According to Traditional Values Coalition, whose founders Rev. Lou Sheldon and Andrea Lafferty are helping organize the effort, the leaders have planned meetings around the country in order to develop grassroots support among the African American community for a Constitutional Amendment. They will meet in cities such as Memphis, Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, and New Orleans.

Morton defined marriage as “a legal and moral institution that is deeply rooted in the fabric of our community.”

"It is the joining together of two families,” continued Morton, “represented by a groom/man and bride/woman to create a new family as an open statement to family, community and children of the next generation. This is our position…because it's GOD'S position."

In a MSNBC interview, Morton stated, "God is against same-sex marriages…it just is not in the will of God.” He lamented that marriage in the nation is going in the way of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Dr. Frederick K.C. Price, pastor and founder of Crenshaw Christian Center, Los Angeles, Ca., believes a marriage exists only when it is accepted by God.

"Marriage is a union created and recognized by God,” said Price in a statement. “Homosexuality is an abomination as far as God is concerned. Marriage is a partnership, a contract if you would, between one man, one woman and God.”

“Any deviation from this design is unbiblical, unnatural and is not accepted by God,” he asserted. “If my Father God doesn't approve it neither do I.”