While he is careful not to promote any political party or candidate, this DVD has come out during the election season. This has raised the eyebrows of many critics who are calling for the Church to lose its tax exempt status which is totally unprecedented. The repercussions of any redefinition of marriage are far reaching, both secularly and legally. It is important for all citizens of this great country to inform themselves and really understand the issue. The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) has some great talking points on their website to help you discuss the issue.
The Catholic Church has no interest in promoting hatred or bigotry. What they are trying to do is help people understand that marriage is about procreation and raising children in a two parent family with both a mother and a father which is not possible in a homosexual relationship. I completely understand that there are many failed heterosexual marriages, but that doesn't mean that the sacrament of marriage should be disregarded and thrown out.
I am asking you to join me in praying for our brave Archbishop who is leading his flock toward the truth about the sacrament of marriage. It would be great to send him a letter or e-mail to show your support, as I'm sure that he has gotten plenty of mail from those opposing the Church's teachings. Most importantly, educate yourself about the truth of this issue. Don't listen to the secular media and their negative sound-bites about the Catholic Church and its leadership. A perfect example is the following article. The Archbishop was interviewed on NPR about the DVD "Preserving Marriage in Minnesota" that is going out to Minnesota's Catholics this week. The interview is entitled "Archbishop John Nienstedt on Catholic Church's opposition to same-sex marriage." Notice the word "opposition" and how it immediately brings negativity to the topic and the reputation of the Church. This article from a local television station has the headline "Anti-Gay Marriage DVD will be mailed to all MN Catholics." Again, the negativity right from the start. It's no wonder most people feel so defensive before the discussion can even begin.
As the Archbishop has said, "We are not a political force, but we are a religious force. So we think we should be part of the conversation." Make sure that you are part of that conversation!
God Bless!
Heather :-)
Sadly, the last acceptable bigotry is that against Catholics. A priest once told me that we, as Catholics, must be doing something right. The devil always comes down hard when the prayers of the faithful are being lifted up strongly.
ReplyDeleteYou are so blessed to have such a strong leader of the flock! Amen!
BTW, I read about your arch-bishop just the other day on ewtn.
ReplyDeleteWe got rid of cable tv a couple years back and the only channel I miss is EWTN. I wish there was a way to get JUST that channel without all the others!
ReplyDeleteThe older I get, the more I realize that being rejected by the culture at large is a sign that you're doing the right thing. The devil is very real, and we need to fight against him and his helpers at all times!