AUGUSTA, MAINE – Dozens of conservative Christian churches put the arm on parishioners for the second Sunday in row, collecting donations to oppose the November ballot initiative to legalize same sex marriage. Approximately 150 churches participated in the special Father’s Day plate offerings, which were intended to raise money for the Protect Marriage Maine political action committee.

“We have intentionally chosen Father’s Day to emphasize the stark differences between those who support Biblical marriage, and those who are attempting to redefine marriage,” Pastor Bob Emrich, chairman of Protect Marriage Maine, wrote last week. “We believe God designed and utilizes the differences between men and women to establish the ideal environment to raise a family. The other side believes moms and dads are replaceable by generic adults.”

According to documents filed with the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices, as of June 1, Mainers United for Marriage, the umbrella organization for supporters of marriage equality, had raised close to $359,000.

By comparison, opponents Protect Marriage Maine had raised about $10,000. Marriage equality supporters have since raised more than $120,000, to match a $100,000 contribution from Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes.