This year, the U.S. made history in its presidential election.

Democrat Barack Obama became the first African American to win the U.S. presidency.

Obama is a supporter of abortion and gay rights, though not gay marriage.

In California, citizens passed a state constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman.

Proposition 8 has sparked protests by gay rights groups and violence against some churches and ministers.

"I've been threatened with bodily harm, as have many others," Bishop Harry Jackson told CBN News. "Pastors in California are now having folks watch their houses and guard them all the evening hours. It's a very very intense time around the nation.

The marriage amendment is also being challenged in court.