Social Justice

Social Justice Committe

Catholic Voice NC - FINAL VIDEOS ON MARRIAGE AMMENDMENT

State Deputy’s Phone Message to Councils

Minnesota For Marriage Releases New Marriage Minute Video

To: All Grand Knights in North Carolina

Subject: Knights of Columbus – Marriage Amendment – Action Required

We believe that marriage between a man and a woman is a unique social event: the basis for society and family, as it is how children are created and brought up. The well known benefits of marriage to society, apart from any religious concern or duty, include: procreation, known, or at least presumed, paternity, child and spousal support, stability in family life and survivor's rights. We believe that children need moms and dads and that appreciation of both sexes is essential to healthy growth of children in to adults.

In the secular world and particularly in the media, we are confronted by unceasing criticism of this proposed amendment as unjust, biased, intolerant and bigoted. Words often used, like discrimination, intolerance, unfairness, presuppose the idea that marriage ought to include lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender relationships as equivalent to or as desirable as a traditional marriage between a man and woman. As Catholics we do not accept this premise.

Other than casting our votes on May 8, what else can us, as Knights, do to defend our holy religion and protect its teachings about the sacredness of traditional marriage. As individuals we can:

• Educate ourselves about the Catholic Church teachings on the sacrament of Marriage

• Discuss the need to adopt this Marriage Amendment with family and friends

• Engage as a faithful citizen through nonpartisan: www.catholicvoicenc.org.

• View the Bishops’ new teaching videos on the Sacrament of Marriage, (See, for example: Raleigh Diocese, NCCatholics, March 2012 issue.)

• Read “Marriage and Religious Freedom” issued by 39 religious leaders throughout the US: www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/marriage/promotion-and-defense-of-marriage/ecumenical-and-interreligious-activities.cfm).

And what might our Councils do to foster passage of this critical amendment? Here are ideas:

• Encourage Brothers to educate and inform themselves by plugging into CVNC -- group signup is easy and individual members can opt out if they wish

• Ask your Council Lector or DGK to explain and Marriage Amendment at April and/or May meeting talks

• Staff an information table on the marriage amendment issue after weekend masses

• Invite your pastor to hold a marriage celebration mass or event at parish level.

• Ask your priests to preach on the sacrament of marriage at Sunday or weekday homilies

• Incorporate our Bishops’ educational information on the sacredness of marriage in your monthly communications or newsletters.

Traditional marriage is essential to preserving society and it must be safeguarded from activist court interpretations. Marriage between one man and one woman is unique and a spiritual bond that must
be preserved for the good of society. We as Knights must do all in our power to protect the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman

Vivat Jesus!

James Haag, PGK