USCCB press release, dated May 10, 2012:
- Marriage protection essential to the common good, says Bishop Cordileone
- Cites right of every child to be raised by mother and father
- North Carolina is 30th state to protect marriage via constitutional amendment
WASHINGTON—The decision by the voters of North Carolina to define marriage in a constitutional amendment as the union of one man and one woman “affirms the authentic and timeless meaning of marriage,” said Bishop Salvatore Cordileone of Oakland, California. Bishop Cordileone, chairman of the Subcommittee on the Promotion and Defense of Marriage of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), applauded the May 8 decision with Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Raleigh and Bishop Peter J. Jugis of Charlotte, North Carolina.
“The success of this amendment demonstrates people’s awareness of the essential role that marriage, as the union of a man and a woman, plays for the common good,” said Bishop Cordileone.“Despite his comments yesterday, I would hope that President Obama would recognize this essential role as well. This is not a partisan issue, but a matter of justice, fairness and equality for the law to uphold every child’s basic right to be welcomed and raised by his or her mother and father together.”
He added, “I extend my gratitude to all of the people in North Carolina who worked tirelessly to make this a reality. The people of North Carolina join millions of other Americans in affirming the importance of marriage in our society.”
North Carolina is the 30th state to pass a constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
The statements of Bishop Burbidge is available online: www.dioceseofraleigh.org/news/view.aspx?id=1486
As Liberal Catholic politicians threaten the family they nevertheless speak for the Catholic Church; if not under Canon Law at least by implication. Since the bishops only present their contrasting point of view, but do nothing to censure these politicians, we Catholics are left to wonder who follow–really.
Even the bishops seem unclear on their stance, with careful nuance in their statements.
Further, as bishops continue to view government welfare programs as charity, they offer support to the very politicians who threaten Catholics.
Bishops desiring to get their hands on a share of tax money seem compromised by the politicians who promise this money.
Are our shepherds willing to assert that, where there is a moral choice, a vote for any politician who supports homosexual unions, contraception, and abortion is a grave evil? Even if it means the bishops may lose access to the “cookie jar”?
I pray for the conversion of our bishops, for the recommitment of our country to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, and for us Catholics to compassionately care for all who suffer–without dependence upon government.
Praise God and we have to work feverishly to pass Ref. 74 in Washington state as well.