By Julie Asher Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — The chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth said he was “gravely disappointed” by the U.S. Senate’s passage of the Respect for Marriage Act. Bishop Robert E. Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, said Dec. 1 that the measure “fails to include […]
Bishop prohibits Catholics in same-sex unions from receiving Communion, anointing of sick
By Catholic News Service SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki of Springfield has issued a decree that people in same-sex marriages should not present themselves for holy Communion nor can they receive the sacrament of anointing of the sick or have a Catholic funeral unless they “have given some signs of repentance.” The bishop […]
Supreme Court rules same-sex marriage is legal nationwide
Supporters of traditional marriage between a man and a woman rally in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington June 26, shortly before the justices handed down a 5-4 ruling that states must license same-sex marriages. (CNS photo/Joshua Roberts, Reuters) WASHINGTON — In a landmark ruling, a divided Supreme Court June 26 said […]
Statement by Bishop Larry Silva on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2) The Supreme Court has once again made a bad decision in affirming that no state may lawfully ban […]
In a special legislative session that spurs thousands to protest, same-sex marriage becomes law
Following a special session of the Hawaii state Legislature that for two weeks turned the state Capitol into a high-spirited exhibition of populous democracy, Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Nov. 13 signed the bill causing all the commotion and made Hawaii the 15th state to legalize same-sex marriage. In reaction to the bill’s passage, Hawaii Bishop […]
Bishop Larry Silva, on the passage of the Hawaii same-sex marriage bill
Nov. 13 It is very sad that many of our state legislators and our governor have confused a manufactured civil right with a true civil right based on the centuries-old respect for marriage as a stable union between one man and one woman established and publicly recognized primarily for the welfare of children. This manufactured […]
Bishop sends ‘urgent’ call to Catholics to mobilize against same-sex marriage
Bishop Larry Silva sent an “urgent request” to pastors Aug. 22 to include in parish bulletins over the weekend of Aug. 24-25 a “very important” letter that urges parishioners to ask their state legislators to oppose same-sex marriage. The letter also asks Catholics to pray the rosary daily over the next several weeks, “if possible” […]