Catholic Bishop John C. Wester, of Salt Lake City sent this Press Release:
“In light of recent events, I wish to express the support and solidarity of the Catholic
Diocese of Salt Lake City with our brothers and sisters in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Recently, both of our churches took a strong stand in California to support Proposition 8 which sought to maintain the traditional definition of marriage as between one man and one woman. Like our friends in the Mormon faith, the Catholic Church has long championed and promoted the sacredness of traditional marriage and the importance of the family in our society. While acknowledging that this position is not universally held in our society today, our churches are committed to proclaiming the truth and we cherish our ability to participate in the democratic process. It is worth noting that our two churches joined with a wide alliance of people from different faiths and ethnicities including Orthodox, Jews, Evangelicals, Hispanics, African
Americans, Asians and Anglos. Our defense of traditional marriage should in no way be
interpreted as an attack on any person. To the contrary, we honor the dignity and sacredness of
each individual.
I acknowledge that this is a very controversial topic in society today and that many people
have strong feelings regarding the definition of marriage. It is my hope that in the ongoing
conversation, both sides would engage the democratic process in mutual respect and acknowledge the right of the other to speak in the public square. One of the hallmarks of our country is that people of different opinions can debate neuralgic issues and at the same time demonstrate respect, civility and courtesy for the other. I pray that this will be the case going forward.”
I completely agree with the 2nd paragraph. Prop. 8 was put on the ballot so that the people of California could voice their opinions through voting. It is every Americans right to "speak in the public square" be that by knocking on doors or paying for advertisements. I hope both sides can show respect for the other. Destroying each others property and getting confrontational is not the Lord's way and it is not respectful of each others differing opinions. I hope members of the church can rise above it and act in a christian manner even to those who do not believe the same way we do.
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3 comments:
This remindes me of a time when blacks protested in the streets. Sometimes, violence and vandalism did occur. Sometimes, they think it's the only way to let their voice be heard to big business and big religion.
It sickens me that we are hurting yet another minority group as we did blacks and women throughout our most embarassing historic moments. How can we be doing this again as Americans and Christians?
I am not a bit surprised at the way the community has stepped up and said "Enough"! They are humans, americans, and our neighbors. Aren't we supposed to treat our neighbor as we would like to be treated? I know that I wouldn't want my neighbor deciding my fate in a voting booth.
If you believe it's wrong, that's okay. But if you are LDS...you should believe in free agency as well. This is their lives, their families, their marriages. God will do the judging one day if need be.
Anyway, thanks for letting me vent on your blog. Good topic!
Thank you for commenting on my blog. I believe that the act of homosexuality is wrong, I also believe in the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman - I also believe in civil rights, I think gay couples should have all the same rights as married couples even if I don't agree with their lifestyle... just don't call it marriage. I also believe in freedom of speech, I believe in the right to protest, to let others know that you don't agree with the passage of this amendment. I just wish it would be done respectfully - on both sides. There were a lot of groups on the "yes" side of this ballot, not just Mormons. I think protesting at government buildings would be more effective than LDS temples. I don't blame pro-gay marriage people for fighting this amendment, but there is an effective way - through courts etc. not at people's churches. I also want LDS people to not engage the protesters, it's no better than interrupting worship services. No matter what side your on people can respect each others different beliefs.
You said it girl.
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