MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN – Every human being has great God-given dignity and must be loved, cherished and respected. We honor the dignity of persons with same-sex attraction, whom we welcome in the Catholic Church. Nonetheless, marriage is a special relationship between one man and one woman. Children best flourish in this environment that is rooted in who we are as human beings. Thus, marriage between one man and one woman serves the common good and should be protected in law.
Marriage is and can only ever be a unique relationship solely between one man and one woman, regardless of the decision of a judge or future electoral vote. Nature itself, not society, religion or government, created marriage. Nature, the very essence of humanity as understood through historical experience and reason, is the arbiter of marriage, and we uphold this truth for the sake of the common good. The biological realities of male and female and the complementarity they each bring to marriage uniquely allows for the procreation of children.
Every child has the right to both a mother and a father and, indeed, every child does have lineage to both. We recognize not every child has the opportunity to grow in this environment, and we pray for those single mothers and fathers who labor each day to care for their children at times amid great challenges and difficulties. They deserve our constant support and encouragement.
Today’s decision from federal district court Judge Bernard Friedman to redefine the institution of marriage by declaring Michigan’s Marriage Amendment unconstitutional strikes at the very essence of family, community and human nature. In effect, this decision advances a misunderstanding of marriage, and mistakenly proposes that marriage is an emotional arrangement that can simply be redefined to accommodate the dictates of culture and the wants of adults. Judge Friedman’s ruling that also finds unconstitutional the state’s adoption law is equally of grave concern.
As this case will likely move forward through the courts, it is necessary to state clearly that persons with same-sex attraction should not be judged, but rather accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. We rejoice with those brothers and sisters in Christ living with same sex attraction who have found great freedom through Jesus’ call to chastity communicated through the Church. We equally encourage those who are struggling in good conscience to live in harmony with the Church’s teaching about sexuality, along with their families, to continue praying and to continue seeking the Lord with the help and guidance of the Church.
Going forward, we, the Catholic bishops of this state, working through the Michigan Catholic Conference, will collaborate with those who are upholding Michigan’s Marriage Amendment and adoption statute and will assist to the greatest extent possible efforts to appeal Judge Friedman’s most regrettable ruling.
Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron
Archbishop of Detroit
Most Reverend Paul J. Bradley Most Reverend Earl A. Boyea Most Reverend Joseph R. Cistone
Bishop of Kalamazoo Bishop of Lansing Bishop of Saginaw
Most Reverend John F. Doerfler Msgr. Francis J. Murphy Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak
Bishop of Marquette Diocesan Administrator, Gaylord Bishop of Grand Rapids
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