DC OKs Same-Sex Unions; Church Renews Pledge to Poor
FREE Catholic Classes
As the Washington, D.C., city council redefined marriage to include same-sex unions, Church leaders in the national capital renewed their commitment.
Highlights
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Zenit.org) - As the Washington, D.C., city council redefined marriage to include same-sex unions, Church leaders in the national capital renewed their commitment to serve the poor.
The council voted Tuesday to consider same-sex unions as marriages; the legislation now needs the promised signature of Mayor Adrian Fenty to become law in the national capital. Five U.S. states also recognize same-sex marriages.
The Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., sought unsuccessfully to have conscience rights protected in the legislation. In November, Archbishop Donald Wuerl explained in a Washington Post editorial why the bill threatens to force the Church to restrict its charity programs.
"[T]he District requires Catholic Charities to certify its compliance with city laws when applying for contracts and grants. [...] Since Catholic Charities cannot comply with city mandates to recognize and promote same-sex marriages, the city would withhold contracts and licenses," he explained.
Unbalanced
A statement from the archdiocese on Tuesday lamented the consequences of the council vote.
It noted that "the archdiocese advocated for a bill that would balance the council's interest in redefining marriage with the need to protect religious freedom. Regrettably, the bill did not strike that balance."
The statement reiterated the Church's commitment to "serving those in need, regardless of race, creed, gender, ethnic origin or sexual orientation." It said this commitment is "integral to our Catholic faith."
The statement noted how religious organizations "have long been eligible to provide social services in our nation's capital and have not been excluded simply because of their religious character."
The Church is still committed to serving the needs of the poor, the communiqué stated.
But it added that future collaboration must be consistent with the Church's mission: "We are committed to serving the needs of the poor and look forward to working in partnership with the District of Columbia consistent with the mission of the Catholic Church."
Join the Movement
When you sign up below, you don't just join an email list - you're joining an entire movement for Free world class Catholic education.
-
Mysteries of the Rosary
-
St. Faustina Kowalska
-
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
-
Saint of the Day for Wednesday, Oct 4th, 2023
-
Popular Saints
-
St. Francis of Assisi
-
Bible
-
Female / Women Saints
-
7 Morning Prayers you need to get your day started with God
-
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Introducing "Journey with the Messiah" - A Revolutionary Way to Experience the Bible
-
Pope Francis Calls Young Cancer Patients "Witnesses of Hope" During Audience at the Vatican
-
Senate to Vote on Protecting Babies Who Survive Abortions
-
Mel Gibson Prepares to Bring The Resurrection of the Christ to the Big Screen in 2025
-
Catholic Response to Devastating Los Angeles Wildfires
Daily Catholic
- Daily Readings for Sunday, January 12, 2025
- St. Marguerite Bourgeoys: Saint of the Day for Sunday, January 12, 2025
- Prayer for a Blessing on the New Year: Prayer of the Day for Tuesday, December 31, 2024
- Daily Readings for Saturday, January 11, 2025
- St. Theodosius the Cenobiarch: Saint of the Day for Saturday, January 11, 2025
- St. Theresa of the Child Jesus: Prayer of the Day for Monday, December 30, 2024
Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.
Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.