Kim Davis outside a Kentucky jail where she was held for 6 days: 'We serve a living God'

by Joni B. Hannigan, Editorial Staff |
CNN/SCREEN SHOT

GRAYSON, Ky. (Christian Examiner) -- Walking out of the Carter County Detention Center Kim Davis, the Kentucky clerk jailed in contempt of court for refusing to issue same-sex marriage licenses, appeared overwhelmed amidst a sea of people waving flags and crosses and singing hymns at her release today.

CNN/SCREEN SHOT

Leaning into her attorney Mat Staver, with Gov. Mike Huckabee looking on, Davis –long hair neatly braided to one side –nodded and smiled gently while Staver spoke for her, telling the crowds gathered she would spend the remainder of the day resting at home.

"She plans to be back at work this week," Staver, chairman of Liberty Counsel, told hundreds gathered for a rally that Huckabee called for throughout Labor Day weekend.

"I can guarantee you, knowing Kim, she loves God, she loves people, she loves her work, and she will not betray any of those three," Staver said in a CNN video. "She'll do her job good. She'll serve the people as they want her to serve, as she was elected, and she'll also be loyal to God, and she's not going to violate her conscience."

Noting her release, and Staver said the court order did not settle the underlying issue, and that is that Davis asked for a very specific accommodation.

"Remove her name and her authority from the marriage certificates," Staver said. "That is what we have asked for since the very beginning. Kim is still asking for that today. We will continue to ask for that in the future.

"We are still asking for her conscience of her religious convictions accommodated," Staver said.

At a rally in front of the convention center, Davis began to cry when supporters cheered for her.

"I just want to give God the glory," Davis said.

"We serve a living God ... just keep on pressing, don't let down, because He is here, He is worthy," Davis said. "I love you guys. Thank you so much."

Huckabee, a U.S. presidential candidate, said it is not possible to explain America outside of the providence of God.

"God showed up and He showed up in the form of an elected Democrat in the name of Kim Davis," Huckabee said.

About freedom of religion and of conscience, Huckabee said he would sacrifice much to see it restored, even to the point of spending time in jail.

"Lock me up if you think that's how freedom is best served," Huckabee said. "Because folks, I am willing to spend the next eight years in the White House leading in this country. But I want you to know I'm willing to spend the next eight years in jail, but I'm not willing to spend the next years in tyranny under people who think they can take our freedom and conscience away."