Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory calls the Supreme Court decisions “extremely disappointing”
Published June 26, 2013
Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory issued the following statement on the decisions made by the Supreme Court:
ATLANTA – Today’s unfortunate decision by the U.S. Supreme Court striking down part of the Defense of Marriage Act is extremely disappointing. The Catholic Church promotes and defends marriage by teaching about marriage’s authentic meaning as a lifelong, exclusive, and fruitful communion of one man and one woman. Today’s decision is part of a public debate of great consequence. The future of marriage and the well-being of our society hang in the balance.
For the time being, the U.S. Supreme Court left standing Georgia’s constitutional amendment protecting marriage as a union between one man and one woman, so there will be no change here.
Catholic teaching protects the dignity of every human person, all deserving love and respect, including those who experience same-sex attraction. This is a reality that calls for compassion, sensitivity, and pastoral care. But no one – especially a child – is served by marriage redefinition.
I ask for prayers as the Court’s decisions are reviewed and their implications further clarified. The Catholic Church will continue to stand for the truth of marriage and the good of children.