Released today: an open letter, “Marriage and Religious Freedom: Fundamental Goods That Stand or Fall Together,” signed by 39 religious leaders representing 33 different communities.
The letter’s purpose is twofold: first, to express the commitment of diverse religious communities to promote and protect marriage as the union of one man and one woman; second, to draw attention to the grave consequences of altering this understanding of marriage in law, especially in regards to the religious freedom of individuals and institutions.
The signers write, “We encourage all people of good will to protect marriage as the union between one man and one woman, and to consider carefully the far-reaching consequences for the religious freedom of all Americans if marriage is redefined. We especially urge those entrusted with the public good to support laws that uphold the time-honored definition of marriage, and so avoid threatening the religious freedom of countless institutions and citizens in this country (emphasis added).”
More information:
- Full open letter: “Marriage and Religious Freedom: Fundamental Goods That Stand or Fall Together” (January 12, 2012)
- One-page Executive Summary (ideal for including in bulletins)
- Q&A on the open letter: further context and explanation of the letter’s context and aims
- Press release: “Religious Leaders Join Together In Support Of Marriage, Religious Liberty“
- FAQs on Religious Liberty
Today’s letter continues the ecumenical and interreligious collaboration on promoting and protecting marriage and religious freedom. The letter serves as a fitting sequel to the open letter released on December 6, 2010, “The Protection of Marriage: A Shared Commitment.”
One response to “Ecumenical and Interreligious Letter on Marriage and Religious Freedom”
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I was in the car listening to Relavent Radio on Saturday, Jan 13 at 10:15 about marriage and had to leave my car for an appointment. I thought I could find it on your website but I do not know where. It was something about several points of marriage. Can you help me find it?