Washington D.C., Jan 12, 2012 / 18:02 pm
Several dozen religious leaders joined together against redefining marriage in America, warning that such a move would have “far-reaching consequences” for religious freedom.
In a Jan. 12 open letter to all Americans, the leaders described marriage and religious liberty as “fundamental goods that stand or fall together.”
They noted that if the civil definition of marriage is changed to include same-sex couples, the government “will compel special recognition of relationships” that many communities “cannot, in conscience, affirm.”
Those who signed the letter included Cardinal-designate Timothy M. Dolan of New York – president of the U.S. bishops' conference – and Bishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of Oakland, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage.