A statement on marriage
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has issued the following statement in regard to the state’s legalization of same sex marriage, which took effect in New Jersey beginning Oct. 21:
The Roman Catholic Church continues to teach that marriage is a covenant of love between one man and one woman which union is fruitful (open to procreation); faithful (exclusive), and forever (permanent). When this union occurs between eligible baptized members of the Roman Catholic Church or between other eligible Christians, its occurrence, in the presence of a duly recognized minister as witness, is considered a sacrament with all the graces and strengths that attend the free and valid exchange of consent between the parties as taught by the Roman Catholic Church. We condemn any discrimination or attack in word or action expressed toward our gay sisters and brothers. Still, we reaffirm that no civil legislation or judicial intervention that attempts to redefine marriage in any way changes or alters the Roman Catholic Church's understanding or teaching about marriage.
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Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has issued the following statement in regard to the state’s legalization of same sex marriage, which took effect in New Jersey beginning Oct. 21:
The Roman Catholic Church continues to teach that marriage is a covenant of love between one man and one woman which union is fruitful (open to procreation); faithful (exclusive), and forever (permanent). When this union occurs between eligible baptized members of the Roman Catholic Church or between other eligible Christians, its occurrence, in the presence of a duly recognized minister as witness, is considered a sacrament with all the graces and strengths that attend the free and valid exchange of consent between the parties as taught by the Roman Catholic Church. We condemn any discrimination or attack in word or action expressed toward our gay sisters and brothers. Still, we reaffirm that no civil legislation or judicial intervention that attempts to redefine marriage in any way changes or alters the Roman Catholic Church's understanding or teaching about marriage.
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