California bishops welcome passage of state marriage amendment

November 06, 2008

Bishops in California welcomed the passage of a ballot initiative that defined marriage as the union of a man and a woman. Similar ballot initiative also passed in Arizona and Florida.

Bishop Stephen Blaire of Stockton, president of the California Catholic Conference, said, ‘We are extremely pleased that the voters of California chose to pass Proposition 8, the constitutional amendment which restores the definition of marriage in our State and affirms the right of parents to teach their children about marriage and family. The ‘yes’ vote on Proposition 8 acknowledges that the marriage of a man and a woman embraces their sexual complementarity as designed by nature and includes their ability to procreate. The ‘yes’ vote on Proposition 8 also recognizes that the ideal for the well being of children is to be born into a traditional marriage and to be raised by both a mother and a father, even though in many circumstances the ideal is not possible.’

Bishop Blaire continued, ‘The success of Proposition 8 is not meant in any way to disparage those who disagree. Under California law, same sex couples who register as domestic partners will continue to have ‘the same rights, protections, and benefits’ as married persons. Proposition 8 simply recognizes that there is a difference between traditional marriage and a same sex partnership.’

Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los Angeles said in a separate statement, ‘I am grateful to the Catholic Community of Los Angeles for your commitment to the institution of marriage as fashioned by God and to work with such energy to enshrine this divine plan into our State’s Constitution. The passage of Proposition 8 was the result of an unprecedented coalition of many Faith Communities and other citizens who understood the importance of maintaining the bedrock institution of marriage as has been lived out since recorded history … Our collective efforts in the support of Proposition 8 have centered solely around preserving God’s plan that marriage between one man and one woman is to be that unchanging reality through which their mutual love becomes fruitful through bringing forth children to continue the human family. The raising, formation, and education of these children is destined by God to take place within a traditional family of one father and one mother.’

Echoing Bishop Blaire, Cardinal Mahony continued, ‘Proposition 8 is not against any group in our society. Its sole focus is on preserving God’s plan for people living upon this earth throughout time. The Catholic Church understands that there are people who choose to live together in relationships other than traditional marriage. All of their spiritual, pastoral, and civil rights should be respected, together with their membership in the Church.’? Cardinal Mahony concluded, ‘This special effort across California has also been assisted by many who live outside our state because they recognized the importance of maintaining God’s plan for marriage as a bedrock institution for society. May the new definition of marriage in our state Constitution be enlivened by our continuing support for married couples and their families.’

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Bishops Laud California Voters for Passing Proposition 8 (California Catholic Conference)
• Cardinal Roger M. Mahony’s statement on the passage of Proposition 8 (Archdiocese of Los Angeles)