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Some local links

I know I’ve been away a lot lately, mea culpa.  Life intervenes sometimes, particularly when it involves ripping up carpet and swinging a hammer.  And yes, the dog decided to walk into the freshly painted wall.  Not the brightest bulb on the tree, that one – loving and loyal, but he’s not the Einstein of the dog world.

But on the subject of the topic of this post, first I wanted to make mention of the fact my Diocese is celebrating her 125th anniversary this year.  The Diocesan web site will have a running series on the history of the Diocese including artwork, stories and multimedia clips.  The entry point for this series is here.  I can’t let this go without saying that I could only wish the Cathedral looked more like it did at its consecration than it does now.  I suppose some would call that nostalgia…

Second, it pains me to have to say the New Hampshire House and Senate have pushed through legislation attempting to legalize same-sex “marriage” in this state.  While there is no hue and cry for this move the legislature has seen fit to invent rights in a state reeling with many other issues.  Perhaps they believe we are too distracted to fight the issue.  Bishop McCormack released the below statement concerning this issue.  We can only hope and pray that the Governor sticks to his campaign promises and vetoes this legislation.  If you’re a New Hampshire resident, please contact the Governor’s office and ask him, politely and with all due dignity, to veto this legislation.  St. Joseph, patron of this Diocese and head of the Holy Family while on earth, pray for us!  Mother Mary, Immaculate One, pray for us!

(MANCHESTER, NH)  We believe that we should be doing all we can as a society to support and protect marriage, which is a union of a man and woman and has been throughout history.

We further believe that trying to redefine marriage on the run, with the slimmest of legislative margins and without a robust investigation into all possible conflicts between same sex marriage legislation and religious liberties is contrary to the spirit of New Hampshire.  Quite simply, if this legislation is allowed to become law there will be many unintended consequences that will undoubtedly lead to unnecessary confusion, litigation and denial of rights to many people in our state.

When a change of this momentous scope is proposed and there is not adequate time to not only look at all the implications of it, but also not to hear in depth from the people whom it will affect, then there are going to be serious problems.  Short of preserving marriage as the union of one man and one woman, there must be adequate protections for churches, but also for individuals who have a genuine conscientious objection to participating in or assisting ceremonies of same sex couples.

We urge Governor Lynch to veto this legislation, if for no other reason than it leaves too many unanswered questions regarding protections for religious organizations and persons of conscience.

{ 1 comment… add one }
  • Cash Gifting Is Legal May 15, 2009, 8:09 am

    This is another indication that the face of our country is changing. Not for better or worse.

    I believe that the institution of marriage should be reserved for a man/woman relationship but it appears that more than a few governors don’t believe the same thing. I accept it, move on, and realize that many are liberated by this legislation.

    I feel that my home state of NJ may be the next to enact same same-sex legislation.

    Even though I don’t necessarily agree I applaud these governors for standing up for what they believe in. With any mass movement it’s always the first few that have to make the toughest s because they are subject to the most criticism.

    Ryan

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