NY bishops condemn legalization of same-sex "marriage"

The Roman Catholic bishops of the state of New York have issued a statement lamenting the State Senate’s 33-29 vote approving the legalization of same-sex marriage. Governor Andrew Cuomo, who calls himself a Catholic, signed the measure into law.

"The passage by the Legislature of a bill to alter radically and forever humanity’s historic understanding of marriage leaves us deeply disappointed and troubled," said the bishops. "We strongly uphold the Catholic Church’s clear teaching that we always treat our homosexual brothers and sisters with respect, dignity and love. But we just as strongly affirm that marriage is the joining of one man and one woman in a lifelong, loving union that is open to children, ordered for the good of those children and the spouses themselves. [Walt's emphasis.]

"This definition cannot change, though we realize that our beliefs about the nature of marriage will continue to be ridiculed, and that some will even now attempt to enact government sanctions against churches and religious organizations that preach these timeless truths." [See preceding post on the David Parker case. Ed.]

"We worry that both marriage and the family will be undermined by this tragic presumption of government in passing this legislation that attempts to redefine these cornerstones of civilization," the bishops added. "Our society must regain what it appears to have lost – a true understanding of the meaning and the place of marriage, as revealed by God, grounded in nature, and respected by America’s foundational principles."

Senator Mark Grisanti, another so-called Catholic who voted for the bill, admitted that he was torn by the question, since same-sex marriage was at odds with the teaching of the Church. "I know that with this decision, many people who voted for me will question my integrity," Grisanti said. But he claimed that he had not heard a strong argument against legal recognition of same-sex marriage. Apparently he wasn't listening to Archbishop Timothy Dolan, of New York, who issued a clear statement of opposition to the measure.

In a separate statement after the vote, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn denounced the state's "corrupt political process" and "asked all Catholic schools to refuse any distinction or honors bestowed upon them this year by the governor or any member of the legislature who voted to support this legislation."

"Today, Governor Andrew Cuomo and the state legislature have deconstructed the single most important institution in human history,” Bishop DiMarzio said. “Republicans and Democrats alike succumbed to powerful political elites and have passed legislation that will undermine our families and as a consequence, our society."