US bishops chide Biden for same-sex wedding ‘counter witness’
August 08, 2016
The president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), joined by two USCCB committee chairman, reacted to Vice President Joe Biden’s decision to officiate at a homosexual wedding of two White House employees in his residence.
“When a prominent Catholic politician publicly and voluntarily officiates at a ceremony to solemnize the relationship of two people of the same-sex, confusion arises regarding Catholic teaching on marriage and the corresponding moral obligations of Catholics,” Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, Bishop Richard Malone, and Archbishop Thomas Wenski said in a blog post in which they did not mention the vice president by name. “What we see is a counter witness, instead of a faithful one founded in the truth.”
“Pope Francis has been very clear in affirming the truth and constant teaching of the Church that same-sex relationships cannot be considered ‘in any way similar or even remotely analogous to God’s plan for marriage and family,’” the prelates continued. “Laws that redefine marriage to deny its essential meaning are among those that Catholics must oppose, including in their application after they are passed.”
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Posted by: Bernadette -
Aug. 09, 2016 9:28 PM ET USA
Biden should be publicly excommunicated. But, no, the bishops will not do it. I have lost so much respect for our hierarchy. Father John Hardon, SJ (deceased - God rest his holy soul) said it best: "It's the bishops! The bishops! The bishops!" He said that it would be up to the laity to make the necessary changes and to fight and die for the Truth. So, come on laity! We have our marching orders. Be not afraid!
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Posted by: pvanderl7463 -
Aug. 08, 2016 10:09 PM ET USA
If the original 12 Evangelists spread the Good News in a blog post they whispered into the ether, do you think anyone would have been willing to die for their belief?What hope is there to pass on the Faith, the Truth in this manner against the news networks blare of VP Biden's witness to this blasphemy against Matrimony?
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Posted by: Frodo1945 -
Aug. 08, 2016 8:30 PM ET USA
I read the statement. It is timid. They put it on a blog that nobody reads!!! There is no confusion about marriage within the laity, but there is confusion and fear among the bishops. I wish they would quit hiding behind Pope Francis and confront the VP on this issue. Where is Cardinal Wuerl? Where is Bishop Malooly?
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Posted by: bernie4871 -
Aug. 08, 2016 10:35 AM ET USA
Even the Bishops who seem to want to stand up for the truth will not use his name. They might save him from Hell if they did! "Biden, you are committing a grievous sin. You can go to Hell for it. Save yourself. Go to Confession! Publicly repudiate what you have done." But no, they wouldn't dare do that.