Statement on Marriage
Diocese of Burlington - July 25, 2007

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: "The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouse and the procreation and education of offspring; the covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament." (No. 1601).

This core teaching, which we believe to be rooted in God, does not permit the Church to give an alternate definition of marriage. "'The intimate community of life and love which constitutes the married state has been established by the Creator and endowed by Him with its own proper laws…God himself is the author of marriage.' The vocation to marriage is written in the very nature of man and woman as they came from the hand of the Creator." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1603).

Thus, it has been and continues to be the consistent teaching of the Catholic Church that marriage is the union of man and woman. It was not so long ago that this was a commonly held definition by peoples of different cultures and creeds, believers and nonbelievers. It is not the intent of the Church to deprive people of their natural and God-given rights. Unfortunately, the Church's defense of marriage as defined above is interpreted in this negative way. Yet those who are united as husband and wife in marriage have the right to have their state in life properly identified and unaltered. The Church and this Diocese must support these married couples who properly understand their union as existing only between a man and a woman.

At the same time, the Church is called to demonstrate true concern for all peoples, especially those who suffer and face great challenges in life. So many people in different circumstances carry heavy crosses. The Church, in imitation of its cornerstone, Jesus Christ, seeks to be compassionate and empathetic to all in need of support and encouragement in this life's journey. Likewise, also in imitation of Jesus, the Church must defend and uphold His teachings which do not originate from human uncertainty but rather are of divine origin. For the Church to be ambiguous or vague about its creed would be a grave injustice to those whom it seeks to serve in fidelity to the Gospel. Clarity in teaching is not meant to be harsh or threatening, but to place before us the message of Jesus, which challenges us to follow Him even in the very difficult moments of our life.

Any legislation concerning marriage has become a highly charged emotional issue which has divided families, friends, neighborhoods and communities and even ecclesial bodies. This sad reality causes pain and suffering for everyone and touches upon a very sensitive and intimate part of a person's life. The Catholic Church must be concerned for all these people, while always mindful that it

"is charged with the mission of preaching Christ in order that all people may be saved. In her ministry, the Church preaches the Good News of Jesus, the message of joy and peace that the world cannot give. This message provides the foundation for all her ministries. In the meantime that we authentically preach Christ, we will build a healthy and holy communion of sisters and brothers, diverse in gifts but one in the Spirit. As Jesus came and died for us in order 'to gather into one the dispersed children of God' (Jn 11:52), so must we all work for unity among God's people, 'with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Eph. 4:2-6)'"
(Ministry to Persons with a Homosexual Inclination, Guidelines for Pastoral Care, United States Catholic Conference of Bishops, December 2006, pp. 23-24).

All persons must open their minds and hearts to God and sincerely seek to know and to do God's will and to follow the Creator's plan for the continuation of the human family. Let us avoid hostility and anger which make of us enemies when God has called us to live as sisters and brothers as we support each other in the search for the truth revealed in God. In our struggles, we should approach the Lord and not flee from Him. The Lord can provide consolation beyond our human capabilities. When we are conscious of God's presence among us, reason and clarity do prevail and Truth, not human truth, is found.