Catholic Statement Supporting the Freedom to Marry in California
On top of the news yesterday that Mormon mothers were protesting against Proposition 8 in Utah, word comes today that a group of Catholics have issued a statement supporting marriage equality and a giant "NO" vote on Prop 8.
Together, the Catholic Church (specifically the Knights of Columbus) and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) have poured more money into efforts to pass Prop 8 than any other group. Together, Catholic and Mormon groups have spent more than $25 million to write discrimination into the constitution of California. One wonders whether these two groups ever stop to think, "Would Jesus really spend $40 million on a ballot proposition eliminating gay marriage, when families are losing their homes, unemployment rates are rising, people are going hungry, and wars are being waged unjustly?"
The Catholic statement out today offers a bold alternative viewpoint in the wake of the institutional Church's blessing of Prop 8. Here's a snippet, with the full statement after the jump:
As Catholics and citizens of California, we believe the right of each person to freedom of religion is based on respect for the dignity of each person. Without that basis, we would all stand in danger of being subjugated to beliefs or practices to which we do not subscribe. Fairness and equality must be living truths in a just society; therefore we oppose the proposal to amend the California Constitution to ban same-gender marriage.
Now, one wonders why it's so hard for ONE Catholic bishop to say something similarly. Check out their excellent statement below the fold, and if you are a California Catholic, please endorse this statement and show that religions of all faiths condemn efforts to write discrimination into state law.
As Catholics and citizens of California, we believe the right of each person to freedom of religion is based on respect for the dignity of each person. Without that basis, we would all stand in danger of being subjugated to beliefs or practices to which we do not subscribe. Fairness and equality must be living truths in a just society; therefore we oppose the proposal to amend the California Constitution to ban same-gender marriage.
In taking this position, we stand on principle:
- Under the State and U.S. Constitutions, Church and State are separate, to ensure that no particular religious viewpoint can be imposed on our pluralistic society.
- Recalling that we Catholics were once denied our civil rights, treated with suspicion, ridiculed because of our liturgical practices, and questioned as to our patriotism, we recognize that we Catholics in particular are challenged to remain vigilant against any bigotry or injustice entering civic life or public discourse.
- Catholic teachings on social justice call upon all to work for a just society, for creating awareness of diversity in the human family, and for showing genuine respect for others, not merely for showing a grudging tolerance for those who are different.
- As Catholics, we differentiate between sacramental marriage and civil marriage; and our Church has long done so. We therefore can clearly perceive that same-gender civil marriages pose no threat to our Church.
- Civil marriage of same-gender couples does not coerce anyone to change his or her religious beliefs; nor does it coerce any religious organization to change its own teachings or beliefs.
Our position also stands on experience, especially in welcoming same-gender couples into our community life, reminding us that God is a most gracious and wonderful Creator. Witnessing of these marriages is a source of joy and celebration for family and friends.
We value the love and commitment that these couples have for each other. While committed same-sex relationships have long existed in fact, the civil recognition of these relationships provides protection for both the dignity and equality of all. As our nation proclaimed from its very birth, each person has been endowed by the Creator with the inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Grateful for the gift of our faith and the multitude of ways that it has nourished us in our lives and grateful for our citizenship in the United States of America and the great State of California, we proudly sign this statement as Catholic citizens of California.
Michael Jones
is a Change.org Editor. He has worked in the field of human rights communications for a decade, most recently for Harvard Law School.
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