Sioux City Journal

Oppose gay marriage amendment

Posted: Wednesday, November 07, 2007

SIOUX CITY -- As a member of the Catholic Church, I am embarrassed and appalled at action by the bishops of Iowa calling for an amendment to ban gay marriage in Iowa. The Catholic Church has NEVER been forced to marry any couple that does not meet the requirements of the church (e.g.: divorced people, people of other faiths/religions). Why, then, do the bishops feel that if the state allows gay couples to marry that the church would somehow have to participate?

My understanding of Christianity teaches that to be a true follower of Christ, I should devote my time to feeding the hungry and clothing the poor. The time and energy that the Iowa Catholic Conference is encouraging Catholics of Iowa to expend on this issue would be much better spent trying to follow those instructions from Christ.

In addition, since Christ also instructed us to leave matters of the state to the state (“Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s”), I encourage strongly and openly opposing any action to add an amendment to Iowa's Constitution. -- George McGarry

Story Comments

Mark S wrote on Nov 27, 2007 6:01 AM:

" You people really need to read what the Founding Fathers had to say about the separation of Church and State, before you start making wild statements about it. The Founding fathers did not want a Church run by the Federal Government, like the Church of England. They felt that it should be left up to the individual States. That is why the 1st Amendment says that 'CONGRESS shall make no laws respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;' . Remember in 1773 it was illegal in Boston to break the Sabbath, and was in fact a jailable offense. "

Benjamin wrote on Nov 27, 2007 5:55 AM:

" Joshua, you are wrong. The Church has every right to tell the state what it thinks, since the Church is made up of Citizens like you and me. "

Embarrised in Iowa wrote on Nov 12, 2007 3:15 PM:

" Kudos George... Bishops as individuals have every right to oppose gay marriage - as a whole they represent the church. The church already chooses to discriminate and marry only those that they feel are worthy of a marriage by the church. But to further attempt to influence and limit the general population by getting involved in politics, brings us to the reason why we have separation of church and state. It seems to be okay that they teach their followers how hate and discriminate against gays and other nonconformists. This is no better than radical extremists in the Middle Eastern communities teaching their children to hate westerners... Open your eyes and take a look outside once in a while! You might learn that people that do not conform to your way of life are great people! Give um rights and protection! A healthy dose of reality might help some of you! Get over yourselves! "

Joshua wrote on Nov 10, 2007 2:00 PM:

" George, you are absolutely correct. The Church has NO right whatsoever to tell the STATE how to conduct its business when such business involves people and groups of other religions and beliefs. As you rightly point out, the Catholic Church is also under no obligation to condone or participate in these marriages because it goes against their beliefs. "

JG wrote on Nov 9, 2007 2:21 PM:

" DB, not breathless, but cool and collected. In your heart, you know I'm right! "