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Press Release: Archbishop Cordileone on the Supreme Court's Decision to Hear Prop 8 and DOMA Cases

From the USCCB:

Archbishop Cordileone Calls Supreme Court Decision to Hear Marriage Cases Significant Moment for Nation

  • Marriage is union of one man and one woman
  • Supreme Court’s decision to hear these cases is significant moment for nation
  • Need prayers that Court upholds marriage’s true meaning and purpose

WASHINGTON—Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco, chairman of the bishops’ Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, responded to today’s U. S. Supreme Court decision to hear the case challenging California’s Proposition 8 and a case challenging the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

“The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to hear these cases is a significant moment for our nation,” Archbishop Cordileone said. “I pray the Court will affirm the fact that the institution of marriage, which is as old as humanity and written in our very nature, is the union of one man and one woman. Marriage is the foundation of a just society, as it protects the most vulnerable among us, children.  It is the only institution that unites children with their mothers and fathers together. We pray for the Court, that its deliberations may be guided by truth and justice so as to uphold marriage’s true meaning and purpose,” Archbishop Cordileone said.

In 2008, California voters passed Proposition 8, which defines marriage in California’s State Constitution as the union of one man and one woman. DOMA, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1996, defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman for purposes of federal law. A decision by the Supreme Court is expected by next June.  Depending on the Court’s ruling, there could be ramifications for marriage laws throughout the country.

Earlier this week the bishops issued a Call to Prayer for Life, Marriage and Religious Liberty as part of a pastoral response for the protection of life, marriage and liberty. Information is available at www.usccb.org/life-marriage-liberty.

4 responses to “Press Release: Archbishop Cordileone on the Supreme Court's Decision to Hear Prop 8 and DOMA Cases”

  1. I don’t understand why the Supreme Court would hear like homosexuals and lesbians getting married. It doesn’t make sense. Also I don’t see anything in the United States Constitution about that subject. Don’t they have the option on not hearing the case?

    • Marriage Unique for a Reason says:

      The Supreme Court could have decided to not hear the Proposition 8 case and Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) case that it took. The lower courts, however, ruled against Proposition 8 and DOMA, not respecting these laws that define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Thus, Proposition 8 and DOMA are good laws, respecting the institution of marriage. By taking these cases, the Supreme Court will hopefully overturn the lower court decisions and thereby, respect true meaning of marriage.

  2. Tonia " says:

    If every person is gay or lesbian life will soon be endangered. I am praying for all the saints to intercede for growth,life

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