 |
|
|
|
Feb. 1, 2012 — On the solemnity of the Epiphany, I heard a sermon—a rather well-delivered one at that—about the Magi as religious “seekers.” The same note, I’ll wager, was struck from pulpits and ambos across the country, perhaps across the world ... [read more]
|
GUEST COLUMNISTS: Bishop Conley: Chris Stefanick:
|
|
Letters to Editor: On civil unions As someone who has been in a marriage for 41 years that produced three children, one of whom happens to have been born gay, I wish the Church would stay out of “civil” affairs or risk losing its tax-exempt status. The Church can choose to marry whomever it pleases. Divorce and annulments have already greatly compromised the “sanctity” of marriage. Taking the high road on marriage while blessing the marriage of a current presidential hopeful that is on his third one is deplorable. Let’s not forget the deceased, well-known, rich Irish-Catholic senator from Massachusetts (who got an annulment). Gay individuals work and pay taxes just like everyone else; therefore, they should be afforded the same rights and privileges. Timothy G. Lyn EDITOR’S NOTE: Widespread divorce and the erosion of family responsibility do diminish the sanctity of marriage in American culture. While the Church hopes and prays for a greater sense of commitment among married couples, she can’t ignore the dangerous cultural implications of eradicating the very definition of marriage through “civil union” laws. Of course, the Church should treat all people with tremendous respect and compassion—and the ministries of the Church that reach out to people with same-sex inclinations do just that. Regarding the annulment process: It’s difficult—in fact impossible—to judge the reasons for an annulment without knowing information that is usually private; however, annulments are designed to protect and preserve the institution of marriage.
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||