Archbishop Listecki Decries Decision Striking Down California Marriage Law

Upon hearing of the August 4th federal judge's decision to overturn California voters' 2008 initiative that protected marriage as the union of one man and one woman, Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki, archbishop of Milwaukee, made the following statement.

“It is unfortunate that a federal judge in San Francisco struck down California voter-approved ban on same sex marriage. I am sure bishops and concerned citizens who worry about the arbitrary changes being made to attempt to alter the nature of marriage will voice similar sentiments. Archbishop Joseph Kurz of Louisville, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage, has already shared the following thoughts.

'Marriage – the union of one man and one woman – is a unique, irreplaceable institution. The very fabric of our society depends upon it. Nothing compares to the exclusive and permanent union of husband and wife. The state has a duty to employ the civil law to reinforce – and, indeed, to privilege uniquely – this vital institution of civil society. The reasons to support marriage by law are countless, not least to protect the unique place of husbands and wives, the indispensable role of fathers and mothers, and the rights of children, who are often the most vulnerable among us.'

Archbishop Listecki also added, "All of us should be vigilant in any attempt, by the state, to usurp our natural and God-given rights.

"Let us pray to God for marriage and family.”

On August 4, the USCCB released a statement from Cardinal Francis George, president of the USCCB, decrying the August 4th decision.

“Marriage between a man and a woman is the bedrock of any society. The misuse of law to change the nature of marriage undermines the common good,” Cardinal George said. “It is tragic that a federal judge would overturn the clear and expressed will of the people in their support for the institution of marriage. No court of civil law has the authority to reach into areas of human experience that nature itself has defined.”

For more information on the Catholic Church's stance on marriage, please visit one of the following links:

www.usccb.org/marriageuniqueforareason or www.foryourmarriage.org.