Virginia Catholics Urged to Back Same-Sex "Marriage" Ban

From the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

Virginia Catholic bishops are sending a letter to 650,000 parishioners in their two dioceses explaining how church teachings support a proposed constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage.

Arlington Bishop Paul Loverde and Richmond Bishop Francis DiLorenzo call the measure that Virginia voters will decide Nov. 7 an issue of "profound significance for the future of the family, the most fundamental social structure of our society."

Acknowledging that marriage "had a design and purpose long before any nation, religion or law was established," the pastoral letter explains "the proper role of both church and state is one of stewardship, to preserve our creator's great gift of marriage from one generation to the next."

The letter is being sent this week to 133,000 households through diocesan newspapers. Next month, the Virginia Catholic Conference will deliver bulk quantities of the letter and an accompanying question-and-answer piece to 185 parishes statewide.

Previous Pro Ecclesia posts on this subject:
Charlottesville Churches Square Off Over Virginia's Marriage-Protection Amendment

Virginia Bishops Endorse Postcard Campaign