press conference

Bishop Meets the Press to Discuss Stance on Marriage

By Mary Frances McCarthy
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the Issue of 10/5/06)

Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde and Jeff Caruso, executive director of the Virginia Catholic Conference (VCC), welcomed members of the media to the Chancery on Tuesday to discuss the pastoral letter on the Institution of Marriage and the Common Good released in last week’s HERALD and soon to be printed in The Catholic Virginian, newspaper of the Diocese of Richmond. In addition to reaching 133,000 households through these diocesan newspapers, 188 parishes have ordered more than 100,000 pamphlets to be distributed to parishioners.
The letter is being released to inform Catholic voters of an amendment that will be voted on by Virginia voters in the November elections. The amendment states that “only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this Commonwealth and its political subdivisions.” It also prohibits the state from creating or recognizing a legal status “for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance, or effects of marriage” and prohibits creating or recognizing “another union, partnership, or other legal status to which is assigned the rights, benefits, obligations, qualities, or effects of marriage.”
This is the second joint pastoral letter Bishop Loverde has co-authored with Richmond Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo. They issued a letter on stem-cell research earlier this year.
“Bishop DiLorenzo and I … we’re seeking on important issues to speak with one voice,” Bishop Loverde said. “It keeps us all united.”
The issue of marriage is something that concerns many Catholics, he said.
“I don’t mind jumping into an issue if it’s for the common good,” Bishop Loverde said. “I think most Catholics are concerned about marriage. It’s not just a Catholic issue — it’s an issue for the common good.”
While some may argue that defining marriage as between a man and a woman is discriminatory, Bishop Loverde said, it absolutely is not.
“No one wants to discriminate,” he said. “Every human being has inherent rights. There can be different kinds of relationships. Marriage is not just one model among equally optional relationships.”
Caruso added, “There’s a big difference between discriminating against individuals and making distinctions to unique relationships in society.”
“We want to remind people that marriage has an original purpose that is independent of any government or institution,” the bishop said. “Marriage is unique and singular and exists for the common good. It provides a stable environment for spouses and children.”
While the institution of marriage has not been challenged in the commonwealth of Virginia, Bishop Loverde said, “Look around. There are many places where marriage has been redefined and we want to make sure it doesn’t happen here. Once it happens, it’s too late.”
Caruso said the VCC has registered with the state as referendum committee because this campaign could cost the conference $10,000 to print and distribute materials. However, he said, the costs are only rising because of the high demand from parishes who want to spread the word and have asked for more materials. In comparison, he said, those fighting the amendment have already spent hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“Every Virginia voter is going to have to decide on this issue,” Caruso said.
“I think it’s important for Catholics to know the facts and have a discussion,” the bishop added.
For more information go to www.vacatholic.org.

Mary Frances McCarthy can be reached at mmccarthy@catholicherald.com.