Same-Sex Marriage
A Catholic Defense of Same Sex Marriage
By Professor Daniel C. Maguire
a Catholic Theologian teaching at Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Catholic Church is beginning to rediscover what it once knew; that not all persons are heterosexual, that many people are homosexual and that this is just fine. In the past, the Church accepted homosexuality more openly and even had liturgies to celebrate same sex unions.1 There was a recognition that different sexual orientations are clearly part of God's plan for creation-some people are heterosexual and some are homosexual-this is the way God made us and we have no right to criticize God.
The Call to Wed: Why Catholics Should Celebrate Same Sex Marriage
by Patricia Beattie Jung
The contemporary debate about same sex marriage has created a wonderful opportunity for all Christians – whether gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered or straight – to think about why we celebrate marriage. Only when we are clear about what it is that Christian couples do when they marry can we address the question of whether the church should continue to bless only heterosexual partnerships. Ultimately all decisions about the form(s) marriage should take hinge decisively on foundational judgments about the purpose(s) of marriage. For Christians, such normative claims about the purpose(s) of marriage are deeply embedded in our faith convictions about God’s designs for and work in the world. So at bottom our question is really quite clear: from a Christian theological perspective, what is marriage for?
Catholic groups boost campaign against Maine marriage
Marianne Duddy-Burke, executive director of Dignity USA, an LGBT Catholic organization, said it's important to note the distinction between Catholic leaders and parishioners.
"The funding that's from the official church — that is being spent by the bishops who are not accountable to parishioners, many of whom are absolutely furious and appalled at the fact that their bishops are spending the money that these folks donate to help support their parishes [and] folks really who are underprivileged and who should be at the core of our concerns," she said. "To have that money be directed to campaigns to legitimize state-sponsored discrimination is something that most Catholics, when they're made aware of it, find infuriating."
Gay Catholics discuss marriage equality
Reaching out to people of faith is seen as one of the most important aspects of repealing Proposition 8, and that was one of the topics addressed as Dignity USA, a group for LGBT Catholics, held its biennial convention in San Francisco last weekend.
DignityUSA Statement on California Supreme Court Decision to Uphold Proposition 8
DignityUSA, the nation’s foremost organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Catholics and our friends and families, expressed profound disappointment with California’s Supreme Court decision that upheld Proposition 8’s ban on marriage between gay and lesbian couples. However, the group noted that the Court’s allowing the 18,000-plus same-sex marriages that occurred before the ban took effect to stand was a sign of hope.
Challenges and Growth with Florida’s Amendment 2
By Bart Coyle, Dignity/Sarasota
Moving to Florida eight years ago was supposed to be the beginning of the retirement phase of my partner’s and my life. That didn’t happen. Right from the “get go” my partner got involved with and became president of the GLBT Bowling League, the Chairman of Sarasota Pride Fest and a board member of the ALSO Out Youth program. I became a part-time volunteer at Bethesda House, a food bank for Persons Living with AIDS. I was one of the founders of Dignity/Sarasota and subsequently the President of the Board for the first four years. I later became Dignity’s representative to the Gulf Coast Affirming Interfaith Network (GAIN). GAIN conducts two interfaith services every year: World AIDS Day and a service that opens Sarasota’s Pride Fest season. I never understood retired people who say they have less time now than they did when they were working, I fully understand that now.
DignityUSA Responds to Passage of Anti-Marriage Equality Ballot Initiatives
Last week's passage of Arizona's Proposition 102, Proposition 8 in California, and Proposition 2 in Florida amending these states' constitutions to prevent same-gender marriage was profoundly disappointing to all who believe in fairness and equality. However, I firmly believe that this represents a temporary setback in the ongoing work to ensure justice for all families, and want to point to some of the signs of hope which can serve as building blocks for future successes.
Catholics Support Marriage Rights and Responsibilities for Same-Gender Couples during the Meeting of the U.S. Bishops
Today, as the U.S. bishops begin their meeting in Baltimore, we express our dismay regarding the bishops' use of significant resources - including $200,000 toward Proposition 8 in California - to block same-gender couples from access to the rights and responsibilities of civil marriage. We are opposed to ballot initiatives against same-gender marriage because this takes the dangerous path of putting the fundamental civil rights of a class of U.S. citizens up for a vote.
Talking with Friends, Families, and Colleagues about Marriage for Gay and Lesbian Couples
Developed by DignityUSA with the assistance of Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).
There is no question that marriage and other forms of recognition for gay and lesbian couples are tough issues for many Catholics. Happily, most Catholics want to do the right thing, both from a faith perspective and in recognition of the gay people in their lives whom they love and respect. They’re just not sure what the right thing is.
Talking with your Legislator about Same-Gender Marriage: Catholics for Marriage Equality
It is very important to identify yourself as a Catholic who supports marriage equality. - Talk a little about the role faith plays in your life.
- If official Church teachings on homosexuality have influenced your beliefs at any time, be honest about that.
- Talk about why this issue is important to you.
- Be honest and specific about your relationship to marriage equality.
Vision Statement
DignityUSA envisions and works for a time when Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Catholics are affirmed and experience dignity through the integration of their spirituality with their sexuality, and as beloved persons of God participate fully in all aspects of life within the Church and Society.
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