Bishop emphasizes that Maine diocese opposes same-sex marriage
CWN – September 25, 2012
Bishop Richard Malone of Buffalo, who also serves as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Portland in Maine, has emphasized the Maine diocese’s strong opposition to same-sex marriage.
“Although the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland is not a member of the current political action committee, we are playing a crucial role in November’s vote by having launched a communication and education effort,” he wrote in a column that appeared in the state’s largest newspaper.
“Objectively, the essence of marriage can only be the union of one man and one woman open to the new life of children, whom they nurture in their irreplaceable roles as father and mother,” he continued. “Any other relationship cannot legitimately call itself ‘marriage.’”
Criticizing the dissent of some Catholics on the issue, Bishop Malone added that
faithful Catholics will continue to defend God’s plan for marriage by preaching and teaching in the public square. Those who speak out in opposition to more than 2,000 years of Christian teaching on the importance of marriage to a stable society do not speak in the name of the Catholic Church. They simply do not understand or accept the faith to which they claim to belong. I am grateful to the faithful Catholics who continue to stand up for the unique relationship marriage is, and I urge all Catholics to support the right of a child to have both a mother and father by voting their faith in November.
Additional sources for this story: Another View: Bishop: Catholic Church still opposes same-sex marriage law (Portland Press-Herald) www.pressherald.com/opinion/bishop-catholic-church-still-opposes-same-sex-marriage-law_2012-09-25.html