A Catholic perspective on same-sex ‘marriage’

by Bishop Sam Jacobs,

Several years before he died, Cardinal Francis George remarked: “I expected to die in bed, my successor will die in prison, and his successor will die a martyr in the public square.”

To some, these words may seem prophetic. Others will not take them seriously. But given the direction our country has taken recently in the area of morality, we may need to reflect on his words over the next few years.

“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, but to God what is God’s!” As Catholics, this should be one of the many guiding principles by which we live in the world but not of the world. For us, there is a higher authority than the State. That authority is the source of all authority, even the State’s authority. That authority is God and his moral law.

As our country moves more to a secular society and those in power seek to neutralize the presence, power or influence of Christians, we’re called to become more resolved in our baptismal and confirmational commitment to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The political momentum is on the side of secular values, not on justice based on the law of God. Our nation’s founding principles were set forth by the Founding Fathers, who were willing to die rather than be denied fundamental, God-given, inalienable rights. Religious tolerance and freedom to live one’s faith were hallmarks of their convictions. Today, little by little, religious freedom has been denied or relegated to one’s private life.

What should Catholic businessmen and women do in the face of this secular interpretation of the Constitution? First, know that in the end Christ will prevail, even if for a period of time his true followers will have to suffer as they have throughout the centuries. Recall the words of Peter to the Sanhedrin: “It is better for us to obey God than man.”

– Continue the fight no matter what it takes.

– Refuse to bow down to the secular pressure of intolerance.

– do not refrain from expressing your legal rights through civil disobedience, done in peace and love.

– If your convictions are such that you cannot do business with those who are seeking a same-sex “marriage,” stand firm but without any rancor or condemnation.

– We are free to disagree with another’s beliefs and actions. These are guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

– “Do not return evil for evil, or insult for insult; but, on the contrary, a blessing

– Finally, we must continue to pray for God’s sovereign intervention in this time of our great need.

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