Statement by Texas Catholic Conference on Supreme Court ‘Same-Sex Marriage’ Ruling

The Texas Catholic Bishops expressed disappointment and dismay at a sharply divided U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that “same-sex marriage” is somehow equal to the sacred, traditional bond between a man and a woman in marriage. We believe that the sexual difference between male and female is essential for marriage, because only man and woman can form a physical union with one another that brings forth children.

Marriage is a perennial institution, with deep roots in who we are and in our nation’s culture and laws. Marriage is and always will be the union between one man and one woman. This truth is inseparable from the duty to honor the God-given dignity of every human person, to protect the beautiful truth of marriage, which concerns the essential well-being of the nation, especially children. Children have a basic right, wherever possible, to know and be loved by their mother and father together. The law has a duty to support every child in this most basic right.

Anticipation of this ruling motivated the Texas Catholic Conference to advocate for the Clergy Protection Act during the 84th Texas Legislature, which was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott just weeks ago. This timely legislation ensures that government may not force a pastor, clergy member, or a religious institution to perform a marriage or related ceremony that would violate their sincerely held religious beliefs.

We join with our brother Bishops across the nation in voicing our deepest opposition to Court’s erroneous interpretation. We urge our Catholic brothers and sisters to remain vigilant and strong in the truth that God has revealed.  We must remember that whatever is popular is not always right; and that which is right is not always popular.

The U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops statement is available on the website at http://www.usccb.org/news/2015/15-103.cfm.