Indiana Bishops Reaffirm Dignity Of Persons And Marriage
Meeting Dec. 4 in Indianapolis, the five Indiana bishops developed and signed a pastoral statement that reaffirms Catholic Church teaching on the dignity of human persons and marriage. “Marriage as Covenant Between One Man and One Woman” appears in its entirety on page 3 of this issue of The Message.
Bishop Charles C. Thompson of Evansville signed the pastoral statement with Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin of Indianapolis, Auxiliary Bishop Christopher J. Coyne of Indianapolis, Bishop Timothy L. Doherty of Lafayette, Bishop Dale J. Melczek of Gary and Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend.
“The Church upholds the dignity of every human person,” the bishops write, “including persons with same-sex attraction who ‘must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity.’ (CCC 2358)
“At the same time,” they continue, “the Church upholds the dignity and sanctity of marriage, a natural institution established by God. By its very nature, marriage is a permanent partnership between one man and one woman ordered to the good of the couple and the procreation and education of children.”
The pastoral statement points out that neither the Church nor the State has the power to redefine marriage since God is its author. “We urge the people of Indiana to respect and defend the dignity and equality of all persons as well as the truth about marriage, according to God’s plan and laws, with charity towards all.”
Here is the Indiana bishops' pastoral statement:
