The Catholic Church’s social doctrine teaches us: The family has its foundation in the free choice of the spouses to unite themselves in marriage, in respect for the meaning and values of this institution that does not depend on man but on God himself. – Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church (CSDC) 215
It is important to emphasize the point that the meaning and value of marriage as an institution does not depend on man but on God himself.
The Church teaches, futhermore: No power can abolish the natural right to marriage or modify its traits and purpose. Marriage in fact is endowed with its own proper, innate and permanent characteristics. (Italics mine) CSDC 216.
The characteristic traits of marriage are: totality (complete giving of oneself to the other); indissolubility; and fruitfulness. It is ordered to procreation and education of children.
The Church has always held that marriage is both a natural and divine institution. In other words, there is something in our nature as human for a man and a woman to unite themselves to each other for their mutual welfare, the begetting of children, and the stability of society. We cannot alter our human nature or its designs. Likewise, the Church has taught for centuries that marriage has its roots in divine life, and reflects the relationship of God with his people. It is a reflection of the Trinitarian life of God himself.
Christians have fought off many erroneous teachings over the centuries, especially regarding the person of Jesus Christ, but also regarding the human person, i.e., who we are and how we understand ourselves as created in the image of God. As is so clearly stated in the teachings of the ancient Church fathers, we as human beings are not mere bodies, nor are we mere spirits. We are body-mind-spirit beings. All that we do, we do with that unity of our person, and we act as a person comprised of body, mind and soul. It is a misunderstanding of humanity to dismiss our bodies in our attempts to become “more human” just as it is a misunderstanding to dismiss our souls and spirits in the pursuit of physical ends or pleasures or perfections.
That is why it is impossibile to call “marriage” a same-sex relationship. Our physicality precludes a true union of mind-body-spirit between two persons of the same sex for it renders such a union devoid of its procreative power.
That is why one cannot call a union of a married man with an unmarried woman a “marriage” for it precludes the union of mind and spirit (which has previously been given to the man’s wife).
That is why one cannot call marriage co-habitation of a man and a woman because whereas there may be union of body, perhaps even of mind, there is no union of spirit in covenantal love.
Only the union of a man and a woman, entered into freely, with unity of body-mind-spirit and thus open to the procreation of children, can be a marital relationship, for we are persons who act as integrated individuals, not pursuing only physical, or emotional, or even spiritual unity.
Obviously, not everyone is called to marriage. Many are called to close friendships, which are very different relationships (although share in common with marriage certain characteristics). Those who have same-sex attractions are called to such chaste relationships. They are called, as are all of us, to relationships of emotional and spiritual support and commonality. They are called to live as men and women who are valued and esteemed by all. No doubt, their calling is a difficult one. But God is with them every step of the way.
A couple of years ago, the leaders of many religious groups in the United States united together and issued a joint declaration on the protection of marriage. I included it here:
The Protection of Marriage: A Shared Commitment
Dear Friends,
Marriage is the permanent and faithful union of one man and one woman. As such, marriage is the natural basis of the family. Marriage is an institution fundamental to the well-being of all of society, not just religious communities.
As religious leaders across different faith communities, we join together and affirm our shared commitment to promote and protect marriage as the union of one man and one woman. We honor the unique love between husbands and wives; the indispensable place of fathers and mothers; and the corresponding rights and dignity of all children.
Marriage thus defined is a great good in itself, and it also serves the good of others and society in innumerable ways.
The preservation of the unique meaning of marriage is not a special or limited interest but serves the good of all.
Therefore, we invite and encourage all people, both within and beyond our faith communities, to stand with us in promoting and protecting marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
Sincerely yours,
Leith Anderson, President
National Association of Evangelicals
Dr. Thomas E. Armiger, Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, Dr. Jerry G. Pence
The Board of General Superintendents
The Wesleyan Church
Dr. Gary M. Benedict, President
The Christian and Missionary Alliance
Glenn C. Burris Jr., President
The Foursquare Church
Bishop H. David Burton, Presiding Bishop
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Dr. Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr., Presiding Bishop
International Pentecostal Holiness Church Ministries
Nathan Diament, Director, Institute for Public Affairs
Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America
Most Rev. Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York
President
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Dr. Eugénio R. Duarte,Dr. David W. Graves,Dr. Jesse C. Middendorf,Dr. Jerry D. Porter,Dr. Stan A. Toler,Dr. J. K. Warrick
The Board of General Superintendents
The Church of the Nazarene
The Most Rev. Robert Duncan, Archbishop, Anglican Church in North America
Bishop, Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh
Rev. Jim Eschenbrenner, Executive Pastor
Christian Union
Rev. Dr. Stephen A. Gammon, Conference Minister
Conservative Congregational Conference
Rev. Matthew C. Harrison, President
The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod
John Hopler, Director
Great Commission Churches
Dr. Clyde M. Hughes, Bishop
International Pentecostal Church of Christ
Ken Hunn, Executive Director
The Brethren Church
Bishop Harry Jackson, Senior Pastor, Hope Christian Church
Bishop, Fellowship of International Churches
The Most Blessed Jonah, Archbishop of Washington
Metropolitan of All America and Canada
Orthodox Church in America
Dr. Richard Land, President
Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission
Rev. Frederick J. Moury Jr., National Conference Chair
Evangelical Congregational Church
Dr. James Murray, Interim Executive Director
General Association of General Baptists
Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, President
National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference
Manmohan Singh, Secretary General
World Sikh Council – America Region
The Rev. Paull E. Spring, Bishop
North American Lutheran Church
Dr. Joseph Tkach, President
Grace Communion International
Rev. Phil Whipple, Bishop
Church of the United Brethren in Christ, USA
Dr. George O. Wood, General Superintendent
Assemblies of God
