Bishop Joseph C. Bambera
“On April 1, 2013, Pennsylvania’s senior United States Senator, Robert Casey issued a statement supporting marriage equality for same-sex couples and asserting his belief that the Defense of Marriage Act should be repealed. In so doing, Senator Casey has unfortunately and disappointingly set aside the Catholic belief and teaching that the sacrament of marriage, rooted in the natural law, is a faithful, exclusive, lifelong, loving union of a man and a woman open to the transmission of human life. The dual purpose of marriage: the unity and love of a man and a woman, and procreation has been rooted in human history long before any religion, nation or law was established. Senator Casey’s position is contrary to the teaching of the Catholic Church.
“While the Church has been and continues to be clear in its long standing teaching on marriage, its defense of marriage should not be interpreted as an attack on individuals with same sex attractions. The Church likewise has proclaimed since its beginnings that every person has an inherent dignity. Like all human beings, our lesbian or gay sisters and brothers are beloved children of God. As a result, the Catholic Church affirms that they “must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in this regard should be avoided” [Catechism of the Catholic Church no. 2358]. Clearly, the Church asserts that the fundamental human rights of all persons must be defended, and encourages the elimination of any form of injustice, oppression, or violence against all people, regardless of sexual orientation.”
– BORYS KRAWCZENIUK