Whereas DignityUSA believes that lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender people have the right to full expression of
their sexuality in ways that are consistent with Catholic/Christian values,
including the right to enter into committed relationships; AND
Whereas DignityUSA is the only national
Catholic organization that sustains a multi-faceted program of support for
same-sex couples, including the blessing of their commitments; AND
Whereas the legal and spiritual recognition
of same-sex couples is being debated by many legislative bodies and churches;
AND
Whereas we know that civil marriage bestows
important rights, protections and duties to the partners and their families and
that religious affirmation of a couple's commitment honors the sacredness of
their covenant;
Therefore be it resolved that DignityUSA
declares the following position on same-gender marriage:
-
As Americans, we remind our fellow
citizens of a foundational principle of our form of government: all are
created equal. Consistent with the pursuit of liberty and justice for all,
same-gender couples should have full and equal access to the rights and
responsibilities bestowed by civil marriage.
-
As Catholics, we remind our Church of a
foundational conviction of our faith: God is love and all that abide in love
abide in God and God in them. The love that brings and binds two people of
the same, or opposite sex, together has a divine source. It is therefore
sacramental in nature and should be celebrated as such by our Church.
