During a recent meeting in San Antonio, TX, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops received an update from its Ad Hoc Committee on Defense of Marriage from its chairman, Loiusville Archbishop Joseph Kurtz (formerly of the Diocese of Allentown).
Archbishop Kurtz noted that the speed with which state marriage laws are changing has kept this issue a top priority for the Ad Hoc Committee. He explained that the Committee’s key points in its support of marriage are:
- Marriage is inherently related to sexual differences and the complementarity of men and women.
- Marriage is for the good of children, who are themselves, ‘a great good of marriage.’
- Marriage is a unique bond reserved to men and women by nature.
- Same-sex marriage has negative effects on religious rights.
According to Catholic News Service, six states recognize marriage between same-sex couples with legislation to do the same pending in other states.
Legislation to amend Pennsylvania’s Constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman is expected to be introduced by Sen. John Eichelberger (R-Blair County).
Read more about the Church’s teachings in the 2004 Bishops’ statement, Human Sexuality, Marriage and Same Sex Unions: Questions and Answers.
