Washington D.C., Aug 5, 2016 / 15:25 pm
Just days after United States Vice President Joe Biden officiated at a same-sex wedding ceremony, three leading bishops aimed for clarity: such actions counter Catholic teaching and aren't a faithful witness.
"When a prominent Catholic politician publicly and voluntarily officiates at a ceremony to solemnize the relationship of two people of the same-sex, confusion arises regarding Catholic teaching on marriage and the corresponding moral obligations of Catholics. What we see is a counter witness, instead of a faithful one founded in the truth," said an Aug. 5 message on the U.S. bishops' conference blog.
The statement was signed by Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, president of the U.S. bishops' conference; Bishop Richard Malone of Buffalo, who chairs the committee on laity, marriage, family life, and youth; and Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami, who chairs the committee on domestic justice and human development.
The message did not mention Biden by name; however, the vice president officiated at a same-sex ceremony Aug. 1