This weekend the United
States celebrates Independence Day. It is the most important of our civic
holidays, recalling our nation’s founding. It is a day to give thanks to God for
the blessings we have received as a country, and the freedoms we enjoy. The Catholic
Church, in particular, has thrived here because of the promise of religious
liberty enshrined in the Constitution. The Church has also contributed much to
our nation. The Catholic Church is one of, if not the largest private provider
of heath care in the U.S. through our network of hospitals, and education by
way of our schools. Catholic Charities, sometimes working with the civil
government, sometimes working on its own, provides social services like work
placement programs, emergency housing assistance for the homeless, and food and
rent assistance for those in need, and much more. When all these service
agencies and religious organizations are combined, we see that we are not only
providing service to countless people, but the Church is also the largest
private employer in Chicago, employing around 75,000 people. These are people
who vote, pay taxes as well as rent or mortgages, shop at local businesses,
contributing to the economic life of the community. I could go on, but I think
you get the point. Catholics have proven to be good and faithful citizens of
this Republic, while also remaining good and faithful disciples of Jesus
Christ.
On June 26, 2015 the Supreme
Court of the United States decided that persons of the same sex could legally
marry in all 50 states of the Union. While we respect all people, and their
right to pursue happiness in their lives, this is a decision that simply goes
against the Christian understanding of what marriage is. For a disciple of
Christ marriage is about more than personal happiness or satisfaction. It is
more than a private arraignment entered into for the good of the couple. It has
always been seen as the foundation of the family, the best, if imperfect,
setting for the raising, evangelizing and education of children. To separate
marriage from family, and make its definition dependent on personal sentiments
independent of its deeper responsibilities is to render marriage meaningless.
As citizens or residents of
this great nation, we respect all our neighbors. As Archbishop Cupich reminded
us in his statement on this matter, “It is important to note that the Catholic Church has an abiding concern
for the dignity of gay persons. In fact, the Catechism of the Catholic Church says: ‘They must be accepted with
respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in
their regard should be avoided.’ (n.
2358).” But as he also reminds us, “the
Supreme Court’s redefinition of civil marriage has no bearing on the
Catholic Sacrament of Matrimony, in which the marriage of man
and woman is a sign of the union of Christ and the Church.”
There
are many people of good will on both sides of this issue. But there are, sadly,
also a few who will use the Court’s decision to question our loyalty as
citizens, and even try to limit our participation in public life. It is for us
to move forward in faith, “with malice toward none, charity for all,” as
Abraham Lincoln once said. We should
know our history, and the vital role Catholics have played in the life of the country,
and that we are committed to continue as loyal citizens, but always first as
faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
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