The following statement is released on behalf of Bishop John
Folda, Diocese of Fargo:
I am deeply saddened by the Supreme Court’s decision to
mandate the redefinition of marriage in every state of our nation. This ruling,
which fails to uphold the truth of marriage as a union of one man and one
woman, is a tragic error that will have long-lasting consequences for
generations to come. Just as Roe v. Wade did not settle the morality of
abortion more than 40 years ago, the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling will not
settle this question of marriage today. Regardless of what a narrow majority of
the Supreme Court has declared, the truth of marriage as found in natural law
and as taught by Jesus Christ has not changed and remains unchangeable.
The Supreme Court’s decision will have a significant impact
on the first amendment right to religious liberty. It sets the beliefs of
millions of Americans about marriage in opposition to the law and will create
innumerable conflicts between the state and religious people and institutions.
In light of this decision, I urgently ask government officials of our state and
throughout the country to implement measures that will protect the religious
freedom of individuals and institutions who uphold the authentic meaning of
marriage.
The Catholic Church will continue to teach and defend the
goodness, beauty and truth of marriage given to us by our Lord. As Bishop of
the Diocese of Fargo, I urge all Catholics to witness more fervently to the
truth about marriage. I also ask all people of good will and those in positions
of authority to join in affirming this truth and to respect the freedom of
those who seek to live according to it.
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