Marriage historically has been comprised of man and woman. A man compliments a woman perfectly: physically as well as emotionally, as do women for men. This is the natural aspect of marriage and coupling. While same-sex attraction is not new, the attempt to redefine marriage is. No where in history do we have men marrying men and women marrying women. The attempt to call same-sex unions "marriage" is relatively new.
Some of the purposes of educating the faithful of marriage and its covenental nature is to fortify the great institution; to remind couples of what they got into and engaged couples what they are getting into and to help the faithful understand that attempts to redefine what we historically call "marriage" cannot and should not be changed to mean something else.
As a follow-up to the reminder and reeducation of what constitutes marriage, the bishops have asked the faithful to sign petitions that will be presented to local legislators, namely, the state senators and assemblypersons of their districts. The petition simply reminds the legislators that the Civil Union Act of 2006 already gives same-sex couples who enter into a civil union, all the same rights as married couples. Therefore, instead of redefining marriage, legislators who seek to enforce the Act. It is a very simple petition; it is not anti-anyone or anything. it does not speak against homosexuality or the persons. Instead it speaks of upholding marriage as we already know it.
Marriage between a man and a woman that is covenental and enduring is good for the children of that relationship for many reasons both psychologically as well as sociologically. Because marriage is good for the children through simple extension, it is then good for society. Pray that not only is marriage defended, but just as importantly, fortified for the good of society.
-Rev. Marc A. Vicari
