Last week in my homily I mentioned the courageous voice of our Bishops regarding the Supreme Court decision regarding same sex marriage. Our own bishop, The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, said in part,
“Today’s decision by the United States Supreme Court regarding same-sex marriage, while groundbreaking for our nation, does not change the fact that the Roman Catholic Church has consistently taught that marriage is a covenant of life and love between one man and one woman which is open to procreation and is faithful and permanent in nature. Catholic teaching regarding marriage is not a judgment about persons who experience same-sex attraction, but a statement about how the Church has always understood the nature of marriage itself.”
He then goes on to say that we must treat all persons, regardless of sexual orientation with respect, dignity and compassion.
Bishop Strickland of the Diocese of Tyler also reminded his people about the nature of marriage, and added that “...no member of the clergy or any person acting as employee of the Church may in any way participate in the solemnization or consecration of same-sex marriages, and that no Catholic facilities or properties, including churches, chapels, meeting halls, Catholic educational, health or charitable institutions, or any places dedicated or consecrated, or use[d] for Catholic worship, may be used for the solemnization or consecration of same-sex marriages.”
Bishop Hartmayer of Savanna, GA wrote “This decision of the Supreme Court is primarily a declaration of civil rights and not a redefinition of marriage as the Church teaches.”
The Church is not required to recognize same-sex marriage as a sacramental marriage, at least from our point of view. The questions remain. Will we remain a pluralistic society which recognizes religious freedom? Will we continue to respect one another? Will Christians stand up for their rights to proclaim and live the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ?
Respectfully, Father Mike.