Posted on 11/05/2011 1:19:24 PM PDT by NYer
"The marital union between one man and one woman was universally accepted by civil law as a constitutive element of human society, which is vital to the human family and to the continuation of the human race," Archbishop Dolan said in the decree dated Oct. 18.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Following the spiritual lead of Pope Benedict, Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan has issued an official statement banning gay marriage in Roman Catholic churches.
Supporters of the Marriage Equality Act were left to ponder why and whether his statement was politically motivated.
Archbishop Dolan issued a decree forbidding any priest or deacon from performing same-sex marriages. The unions cannot be done in any church building, hall or other property. The prohibition even extends to consecrated items such as chalices, vestments and liturgical books.
"The marital union between one man and one woman was universally accepted by civil law as a constitutive element of human society, which is vital to the human family and to the continuation of the human race," Archbishop Dolan said in the decree dated Oct. 18.
"In reversal of this tradition, the New York State Legislature recently enacted a law that recognized same-sex union as marriages in the State of New York. This law is irreconcilable with the nature and the definition of marriage as established by Divine law."
A complete version of the decree is listed under the pastoral tab at Archny.org.
The Marriage Equality Act permits same-sex civil unions while at the same time protecting the right of religious groups to choose against performing the marriages.
Rosemary Palladino, a Grasmere attorney, who attends weekly mass with her partner of 38 years, Marianne Brennick, wasn't surprised by the archbishop's stand on the issue of same-sex marriage.
"It would be wonderful to be able to get married in the Catholic Church but I don't expect it, I don't hope for it and I don't need it because we could get married in a civil setting," said Ms. Palladino, who intends to wed but so far has no definite plans.
A founder of Staten Island Stonewall, Ms. Palladino questioned why religious groups have involved themselves in the issue of civil marriage for same-sex couples.
"I think the whole issue of religious marriage was just an attempt to muddy the waters," Ms. Palladino said.
"The bill was not about making Catholic Churches or other churches perform marriages for same sex couples. It was about making civil marriage available to same-sex couples, regardless of what religion they follow or don't follow."
"What I don't understand is why religious organizations try to interfere with the civil rights of people as they have done in New York and California. I especially wonder how many of their members approve of the fact that their donations are being used to wage these legal battles."
Archbishop Dolan's decree has "no bearing on what city hall does," said State Sen. Diane Savino.
"Marriage is a sacrament, the church has a right to determine who they marry and who they don't," she added.
She was puzzled about why the archbishop felt a need to issue the decree.
"I guess he felt he had to clarify, I'm not sure why," Ms. Savino said.
"It's a house of worship, it's their right, otherwise, no comment," said Assemblyman Matthew Titone, who married his partner of 18 years, Giosue Pugliese, at Borough Hall in September.
This did not stop Archbishop Dolan from making a fawning presentation in front of the rabidly pro-gay marriage ADL two days ago.
With some of our clerics, they must be told exactly what to do. He is leaving the odd ones no choice but not to comply.
He should go a step further and excommunicate Gov. Cuomo and every Catholic legislator who voted for same-sex marriage.
That’s what I thought too. One lesbo makes a statement, presumably for all Staten Island. Yea right.
Outstanding!
Good! This shouldn’t need stating, but knowing some of the clergy in NY (even in the NYC...St Joseph’s, anyone?), it’s a good idea to make a preemptive strike.
I'm not looking for a deep or detailed explanation (because very frankly, I don't understand Wittgenstein AT ALL) --- but just in simple words, what do you mean to convey by associating Wittgenstein with the concept of "sodomy as a civil right"?
The gay-activists are of course goung to keep gnawing at all the edges: trying to schedule receptions at KofC halls or Church-owned retreat centers, trying to rent facilities on some false pretext and then springing a wedding there, utilizing Catholic university campuses not under the direct control of the Archbishop, etc. You watch.
It's only going to escalate. But Dolan, God bless him, is saying "Bring it on."
great metaphor.
But Dolan, God bless him, is saying "Bring it on."
The man is certainly an enigma.
Placemark.
I’m glad he spelled it out!
No. honey, what you don't understand is that marriage is NOT a civil right. It is a privilege granted by first religious, then civil authorities, and there have always been restrictions of one sort, or the other.
Of course, after the restriction on homosexuals being 'married' is lifted, it's only a matter of time before the polygamists start pushing to get their 'marriages' legalized, then all bets are off as to what other instances come before the courts, claiming theirs is a 'civil rights' issue, as well.
I predict that before the end of the decade that at least one state will be trying to force churches to do so.
They can try but I don't see the 1st Amendment allowing it.
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