Monday, July 06, 2015

Clarion Call

Excerpt from Archbishop Charles Chaput's column called Peace on Earth:

Others have already done a good job of deconstructing the Supreme Court's June 26 Obergefell v. Hodges decision forcing "gay marriage" onto the nation. Legally incoherent and impressive in its abuse of judicial power, it will have huge implications for the way Americans live their lives. Anyone who wonders what "marriage equality" really means need only watch the fallout in our laws, courts and public policies over the next decade. Persons innocent enough to imagine that the Church might be allowed to continue her social mission without growing government interference will have an unhappy encounter with reality.

Christians have a privileged calling to respect the God-given dignity of all persons, including those with same-sex attraction. That's fundamental to Christian love and justice. We are accountable to God for the way we treat others.

But Christians also have a duty to think clearly, and to live, teach and work for the truth about the nature of human sexuality, the purpose of marriage and the integrity of the family. No court ruling can change that. And the last thing we need from religious - including Catholic -- leaders in the face of this profoundly flawed Supreme Court decision is weakness or ambiguity.


The recessional hymn at Mass yesterday was the "Battle Hymn of the Republic." It was selected to recognize Independence Day, but its words were especially relevant given recent events. One line in particular caught my attention:

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat


His truth is marching on whether or not our country chooses to march in step with it or not.