Knights of Columbus Donates $1 million to Defend and Preserve Marriage in California

"Preserving marriage as the indispensable institution in which children are conceived, born and raised to adulthood by a loving father and mother."

SACRAMENTO (CNA) - Proposition 8, the ballot initiative to protect marriage, has announced that it has received a $1 million contribution from the Knights of Columbus, the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization.

In a press release, spokesman for the Knights of Columbus, Patrick Korten said that the donation from the Knights "is both an indication of how important we believe this referendum to be, and an encouragement to other groups and individuals of all faiths to lend their support as well."

"From the day the organization was founded 126 years ago, strengthening and protecting the family has always been central to the mission of the Knights of Columbus. Preserving marriage as the indispensable institution in which children are conceived, born and raised to adulthood by a loving father and mother is vital to a healthy society. It is also the most favorable environment in which to protect the rights and best interests of children. We are proud to join the Catholic bishops and priests of California, and so many other people of good will, in this effort on which so much depends."

Ned Dolejsi of the California Catholic Conference remarked that "this generous donation from the Knights of Columbus shows the broad-based support that Protect Marriage is receiving from a variety of faith-based organizations. Proposition 8 is honored to have the support of an esteemed organization who has such a strong record of public service and success."

Throughout its history, the Knights of Columbus has been an effective advocate and defender of civil and religious rights for all. The organization includes more than 1.7 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, and other countries.

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