Rockford's Bishop Malloy issued a statement on same-sex marriage last Sunday to be read in the county dioceses. He also asked that his statement be posted on the church bulletins. His statement was issued in both English and Spanish. He stated that "Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act is not a political or a policy question, but a fundamental statement about society itself."
"He also reminded the Catholics that their Catholic faith teaches us to love our brothers and sisters; all of them. We respect the human dignity of every person as created in the image and likeness of God. But we must, at the same time, respect and support the protection of the fundamental human relationship that confirms the complementary nature that we bear. That is marriage as an exclusive commitment between a man and a woman."
Bishop Malloy concluded his letter by urging Catholics to contact their legislators in opposition of this legislation.
Text of Bishop's Letter.
"Brothers and sisters in Christ, I am taking the exceptional step of addressing you at all of the parish Masses this weekend. I do so because there is a danger before us that is exceptional. According to press reports, the Illinois State Legislature is taking up a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in our state, under the misleading title. The Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ."
"Defense of the nature of marriage is not some form of long standing discrimination or bigotry. Our Catholic faith teaches us to love our brother and sisters; all or them. We respect the human dignity of every persons created in the image and likeness of God. But we must, at the same time, respect and support the protection of the fundamental human relationship that confirms the complementary nature, that we bear. That is, marriage as an exclusive commiment between a man and a woman."
He further stated:
"I urge you to visit the Illinois Catholic Conference website at:
to learn how to contact your state legislators and let them know of your opposition to this proposed legislation."
With gratitude to you and the promise of my prayers, I am - Sincerely yours in Christ, The Most Reverend David J. Malloy, Bishop of Rockford
The bill has passed the Senate and it is now pending before the House of Representatives.
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