Catholic Vision of Marriage and Family

September 23, 2004

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Relevant to the Marriage Still Matters Rally that will be held on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2004 at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, this statement is presented for your reflection as members of the Catholic community.

This rally is an ecumenical effort to make a statement of the importance of the bond of marriage which sadly in recent years has been weakened and undermined by a culture that no longer upholds the full dignity due the married state and the unique relationship between husband and wife.

Marriage has both spiritual and civil dimensions. The Catholic Church, like all major religions, defines marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman ordered by its nature toward the good of the spouse's procreation and the education of children! This covenant is unique and intended to be indissoluble. Within the Catholic faith tradition, the marriage covenant between baptized people is raised by Christ to the dignity of a sacrament. The bond between a man and a woman in a truly loving marriage also serves as the foundation for civil society and the cornerstone for family life. In the framework of this civic dimension, marriage has played an essential role in the growth and development of human civilization.

The basis of our Catholic Community teaching and formation supports the dignity and worth of every human being. The most basic and universal social institution is marriage and its fundamental definition is upheld not only by Church teaching but also by clear, and extensive public consensus. While in our culture today many benefits are being sought by persons in homosexual unions, these can be obtained without regard to marital status. Thus, there is no compelling justification for changing the traditional definition of marriage: by virtue of the covenant of married life, the man and woman "are no longer two but one flesh." (Mt. 19:6)

Accordingly, if your choice is to offer your support at this rally, may it be for these reasons: to reaffirm your belief in the true definition of marriage; to respect the true dignity of every human person without any unjust discrimination; to be tolerant and compassionate to each person's demeanor; to recommit ourselves to the need of lifelong marriages and loving, dedicated families.

"If we love one another God dwells in us, and God's love is brought to perfection is us" (1 John 4:12).

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Msgr. Roger Augustine
Diocesan Administrator