"We now confront a demand that same sex unions be classified as marriage. Advocates of this position argue that to do otherwise is to engage in a form of discrimination against homosexuals. We recognize that all persons share equally in the dignity of human nature and are entitled to have that human dignity protected, but this does not justify the creation of a new definition for a term whose traditional meaning is of critical importance to the furtherance of a fundamental societal interest.
God’s design for the continuance of human life, as seen in the natural order, as well as in the Bible (Gen. 1-3), clearly revolves around the union of male and female, first as husband and wife, and then as parents. A unique goal of marriage, which is reproduction and the raising of families, exists apart from that of same sex unions, which cannot equally participate in this essential function. While others may claim the right to establish private relationships between persons of the same gender that simulate marriage, the legal classification of such relationships as marriage dilutes the special standing of marriage between a man and a woman. Since the future of every society depends upon its ability to reproduce itself according to this natural order and to have its young people reared in a stable environment, it is the duty of the state to protect the traditional place of marriage and the family for the good of society."
Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld, Rabbi of Young Israel Synagogue, Kew Gardens Hills, New York.
Bishop William Murphy, Bishop of Rockville Centre
and members of the Consultation of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Orthodox Union and the Rabbinical Council of America
The full statement is here.
1 comment:
"Bigots have always thought themselves to be fair, enlightened, and right -- even when they are unfair, ignorant, and wrong. Those who support Prop 8 are no better than any other bigots. That religious sects are among those attempting to "proposition" society should not surprise anyone: religion is often a comfort to bigotry and a haven for hypocrisy."
The CC of Bishops in donating
200k to overturn the striking decison of the California Supreme Court in its elevation of marriage as a basic right under the equal protection clause shows more then a vile hatred and bigorty unrecognizable as the face of Christ but an utter ignorance of the theology of the family which the Supreme Court enciated with astonishing clarity.
To the man these bishops are unfit to lead this church. Alas they hold themselves unaccountable to no one but God, not an enviable position given their decisions.
Post a Comment