Bishop Tobin’s blog might make more headlines, but a “broad and growing coalition” representing more than 100 clergy from 13 “welcoming and affirming faith denominations” is committed to passing marriage equality.
Rev. Gene Dyszlewski, in a press release, reminded Tobin that the law will still allow his religion to practice bigotry.
“Faith organizations that do not affirm same-sex relationships will in no way be required to do so when this bill becomes law,” Dyszlewski said. “However, for those of us who do lead welcoming and affirming faiths, it will finally remove a long-standing obstacle to our pastoral care – and allow us to minister equally to all families in our community.”
Tobin, of course, thinks the proposal is “immoral and unnecessary.”
Tobin’s screed demonstrates some basic confusion over the roles of religion and government: “The natural law, the Holy Scriptures, and long-standing religious tradition are very consistent in affirming that homosexual activity is sinful, contrary to God’s plan.”
And he immediately concludes from this that marriage between couples of the same sex “should never be encouraged, ratified or ‘blessed’ by the state.”
Deriving public policy from the religious beliefs of conservative Catholic leaders is contrary to everything the United States in general and Rhode Island in particular stands for. At least Tobin put the word “blessed” into quotes, affirming that the Bishop understands that our secular government does not claim supernatural power and that any such “blessings” conferred are only metaphorical.
Near the end of his piece, he says that “If we are in fact forced to discuss the nature of matrimony in our state, it should be placed before the general public in a referendum… Let us vote!”
Those who value American principles will disagree with Tobin that human rights should be granted or taken away at the whim of the majority electorate, but a very recent and unscientific poll conducted by me sees “more than 100 clergy and 13 denominations” for marriage equality versus 1 Bishop and 1 denomination against. It seems to me that the religious question of marriage equality has already been decided by referendum.
The time for marriage equality in Rhode Island is now. Actually, the time was nine years ago, but it is not too late to catch up. Let’s hope enough state Senators understands this.
Tobin (notice how I would not even afford him the dignity of Bishop) – Again Tobin is not listened to by most Catholics – and quite frankly no one really cares what he thinks – except the gutless Catholic politicians who are scared of him. He is wrong on just about every issue!!!!!! (and I am a Catholic) – He needs to go back to his PA racist community and state there!
Time for gentle people to find allies among gentle people.
What is fascinating is the disconnect between the official position of the Catholic leadership and the views of the membership of their Church.
According to polls, 71% of self-described Catholics support civil marriage (when it is made clear that civil marriage would mean religious organizations would not have to perfom marriage ceremonies for seame0sex couples):
publicreligion.org/research/2011/03/for-catholics-open-attitudes-on-gay-issues/
There is no reason to listen to the Bishop or other Catholic leaders when it is clear most of their “flock” do not agree with what they are saying. If the Bishop has any courage, he would require people who call themselves Catholic to sign a declaration espousing all the Stone Age views of the Church – but he won’t, nor will the Pope, because they’d lose much of their membership. Almost every person I know who calls themselves Catholic supports civil marriage or, at least, civil unions.
Hey Steve.
I avoid this form of interaction like the plague. In my opinion, these chat forums are normally unproductive. Notice I distinguished that statement with “in my opinion.” That short phrase is glaringly absent from your January 8th article “Most Clergy Support Marriage Equality.”
While the presumption would be that you and I fall on the opposite view of nearly every issue, I appreciated meeting you in early 2011 when you interviewed me on this same issue for a “Philosophy on the Ground” series you were recording. You were fair, kind, and objective in your questioning and brief discussion we shared afterward.
Because I respect those things about you, I refuse to assume a disingenuousness with the insinuation from the above article. However, I also find it hard to imagine that you would be this careless knowing how thoughtful you are with regard to what you believe. While you do acknowledge that your “polling” is neither official or scientific, it is also glaringly inaccurate.
During the marriage battle being waged at the time of our interview in 2011, there was a Resolution drafted and submitted to the RI Senate as part of the official record of their Judiciary Committee’s hearings. That resolution had been signed by more than 100 evangelical pastors and church leaders representing various denominations. The Catholic church’s position, as you have stated, was clear then as it is now.
That Resolution has been updated to reflect the current Statehouse debate and is being submitted even as I write. As of the yesterday, the signatories of the Resolution numbered more than 145.
While argument could be made as to what this means with regarding to percentages, a thoughtful person would have to consider the numbers a complete wash at the very least. At best, the numbers, as you and I have shared them, would seem to fall in Bishop Tobin’s favor.
Without even discussing the redefinition of marriage, my present concern is that we don’t allow a false perception to settle regarding where churches stand on marriage.
I appreciate your consideration.