Bishops exhort (MA) lawmakers on gay marriage

Boston ^ | June 13, 2007 | ANDREW RYAN

[NYer]

The four top Roman Catholic leaders in Massachusetts sent a letter to state legislators yesterday, urging them to vote in favor of a proposed ban on same-sex marriage at tomorrow's Constitutional Convention.

The bishops say that by sanctioning same-sex weddings, the state has taken away the rights of children by "redefining marriage in a way that is indifferent to the absence of mother or father." The letter asks that lawmakers approve the proposed ban so that Massachusetts voters can decide the issue in November 2008.

"Marriage is a fundamental social institution," the letter says. "Its definition and meaning are critical concerns for all in society. Because it involves issues of utmost social importance, extending far beyond questions strictly legal, the marriage debate should not be reserved only to lawyers and lawmakers. Every citizen has a stake in the outcome, because every citizen has a stake in the well-being of the family."

The letter was signed by Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley of Boston, Bishop George W. Coleman of Fall River, Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell of Springfield, and Bishop Robert J. McManus of Worcester. The four bishops sent similar letters before previous Constitutional Conventions.

In 2003, Massachusetts became the first and only state to legalize same-sex marriage, following a landmark decision by the state's highest court. The constitutional amendment, sought in a petition by more than 100,000 voters, would define marriage as a union of one man and one woman.

[NYer]

Vatican Document on Homosexual Unions

Homosexual unions are totally lacking in the biological and anthropological elements of marriage and family which would be the basis, on the level of reason, for granting them legal recognition. Such unions are not able to contribute in a proper way to the procreation and survival of the human race. The possibility of using recently discovered methods of artificial reproduction, beyond involving a grave lack of respect for human dignity,(15) does nothing to alter this inadequacy.

CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING PROPOSALS TO GIVE LEGAL RECOGNITION TO UNIONS BETWEEN HOMOSEXUAL PERSONS

Catholic Ping
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[Rockiette]

I’d be more impressed with these Bishops if they would step up to the plate and start excommunicating Ted Kennedy and all the other hypocrits calling themselves Catholic to up their votes on elections, for example, John Kerry, he’s second only to Fat Teddy on his full support of gay marriage, abortion and all things morally reprehensible.

[Andy'smom]

It’s over, they bribed these guys to change their vote.

[massgopguy]

Early news says we lost by five votes.

[maryz]

The radio today had Brian Wallace saying how deeply he was pondering his vote. Would be more convincing if a week or two ago it hadn't been reported that he had already been bought -- with a job! Yes, he'll be leaving -- and not even give the voters a chance to get rid of him!

[Antoninus]

Unless I’m mistaken, Ted Kennedy is excommunicated. He’s a Methodist.

[Teófilo]

Unless I’m mistaken, Ted Kennedy is excommunicated. He’s a Methodist.

According to his official Senate page, he still professes Catholicism.

-Theo

[Disturbin]

Wow, check out some of the RUBBISH being done by Kerry:

http://kerry.senate.gov/congress/mylegislation.cfm

[Coleus]

.

[darkangel82]

He professes it, he just doesn’t believe it. (Neither do I, but I don’t claim to anyway)

[SuziQ]

Early news says we lost by five votes.

How surprising! /s
Lord, I'm so glad we're getting out of this place!

[verga]

I’d be more impressed with these Bishops if they would step up to the plate and start excommunicating Ted Kennedy and all the other hypocrits calling themselves Catholic to up their votes on elections, for example, John Kerry, he’s second only to Fat Teddy on his full support of gay marriage, abortion and all things morally reprehensible. I agree with you, but these men have not stepped up to the plate on abortion, why would they choose now to do so?

[seamusnh]

The Roman Catholic designation looks good when he goes for re-election every 6 years. The old ladies in MA like that... Let’s see: he’s divorced and got remarried, he killed a woman in 1969, he’s pro-abortion.... I’m no expert (RC all my life, K of C member), but he’s no Catholic....

[darkangel82]

I was originally Catholic, and obviously am not anymore, but I have more “faith” than he does.

[Teófilo]

He professes it, he just doesn’t believe it. (Neither do I, but I don’t claim to anyway)

You've got it! That's why they phrased it that way. ;-)

-Theo