RBWords

     At the end of its 2014-2015 term, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down several controversial decisions.  One of these decisions concerned what is being called "same sex marriage" or "gay marriage."  The response of the American bishops has been loud and definite, that marriage, at least as the Catholic Church teaches, is an exclusive relationship for life between a man and a woman that is open to the procreation of children.  This relationship is more than a civil matter.  It is a matter of faith for Catholics (and some other Christians) that a true marriage is a sacrament - a means of Christ's grace and presence, and is called "Matrimony."  The Supreme Court has decided that the civil definition of marriage includes a relationship between two men or two women.  Furthermore, this civil relationship is a protected right under the U.S. Constitution. This complicates matters for the church because in the U.S.A., priests and deacons or anyone delegated by the bishop to witness a marriage are considered civil servants for that purpose.  In other words, church weddings are civilly valid.  This is not the case in most countries.  There, the couple are married at a civil office and then have the church ceremony. So there are two very big issues involved:  the definition of "marriage" and the status of priests, deacons or delegates in regard to refusing to witness a same-sex marriage.  There is the, at least theoretical, possibility of law suits to compel Catholic clergy to witness these unions.  In addition, many will see a refusal  to do so as an unjust discrimination against gay persons.  

     The situation is similar to the ongoing issue of Catholic health care institutions refusing to offer morally unacceptable procedures such as abortion, tubal ligation, etc. when federal law makes these a requirement for licensing or public support.  Catholic health care institutions are a ministry of the Catholic church and must act in accord with the teachings of the church.  The same is true of pastors who administer sacraments.  A civil decision does not constitute a change in Catholic tradition.  Furthermore,  the bishops have been clear that discrimination against gay persons is morally unacceptable. (Cf. the USCCB document, STILL OUR CHILDREN.)  The definition of marriage for Catholics is a matter of faith and not a matter of civil law. Civil law extends certain civil benefits to a civilly recognized relationship, which can be ended in a civil divorce.  Thus, Catholic marriages will continue to be between a man and a woman and are not terminated by a civil divorce.  What the church may decide about extending pastoral care to gay couples remains a challenge. IT'S SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.