Bishop Jarrell Statement on Same-Sex Marriage
On June 26, 2015, in a reversal of immemorial tradition, the United States Supreme Court by a decision of five (5) to four (4) ruled that homosexual couples have a right to marry nationwide. We are deeply saddened by this decision. Let me state very plainly that no human court has the authority to change what God has written into the law of creation. This ruling is irreconcilable with the nature and definition of marriage as established by Divine Law. The marital covenant was established by God with its own proper nature and laws.
I realize that this ruling will create conscience problems for many Catholics, especially those in public office. In some cases civil disobedience may be a proper response. No priest or deacon of this Diocese may participate in the civil solemnization or celebration of a same-sex marriage. All Catholics are urged not to attend same-sex marriage ceremonies. No Catholic facility or property, including but not limited to parishes, missions, chapels, meeting halls, Catholic educational, health or charitable institutions, or facilities belonging to benevolent orders may be used for the solemnization of same-sex marriage.
The upcoming Synod of Marriage and the Family is scheduled for this October. It is dedicated to the vocation and mission of the family in the Church and in the contemporary world. It may give consideration to the problems created by the alteration of the traditional law about marriage.
As Catholics we have a profound respect for the dignity of all of God's children. Nevertheless there is no basis in law or in nature for altering the traditional definition of marriage, established by God from the beginning.
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