Minneapolis church scrubs appearance by state official in marriage-referendum dispute
August 01, 2012
A Catholic church in Minneapolis has canceled a scheduled speech by Minnesota’s Secretary of State, Mark Ritchie, who has become the focus of controversy on a statewide referendum campaign to outlaw same-sex marriage.
Ritchie angered supporters of the referendum by unilaterally changing the title of the measure that will appear on the state ballot in November. He is currently being sued by proponents of the referendum for taking that step.
The Secretary of State’s speech at St. Joan of Arc parish was canceled because it would not have been appropriate, Church officials said. Although he was not expected to address the question of the referendum, archdiocesan officials apparently felt that his appearance would have sent a confusing message to the faithful. The Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis has strongly supported the measure to strengthen marriage.
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Further information:
- Archdiocese says church address by outspoken secretary of state 'not appropriate' (The Republic)
- Minneapolis church cancels secretary's address (KARE11)
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