Boston, Mass., Sep 20, 2005 / 22:00 pm
The four Catholic bishops of Massachusetts have endorsed ''Protect Marriage Sunday" — a one-day signature-gathering campaign that organizers hope will advance a 2008 ballot initiative banning same-sex marriage. The bishops have or will soon send letters to parishioners urging them to sign the petition.
A letter to this effect from Archbishop Sean O'Malley of Boston is expected in parishes this weekend, reported the Boston Globe.
''As faithful citizens, we have a moral obligation to defend the truth, no matter how counter-cultural or unappreciated our convictions might be," Bishop George Coleman of Fall River wrote in his letter to parishioners. ''The time is upon us to take a stand and to act, lovingly but firmly, to restore and defend the truth about marriage."
Christians of various denominations will participate in the coordinated effort on Oct. 2, and gather signatures at masses and worship services throughout the state. Organizers are seeking 120,000 signatures.