Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

On this, the eighth day of “Fortnight for Freedom,” let’s examine the link between the covenant of marriage and principle of religious liberty.

The Catholic Church stands firm on the belief that marriage is the union of one man and one woman. Earlier this year, my fellow bishops and archbishops joined a virtual rainbow of religious leaders, as they penned a formal statement on the institution of marriage.

Signed by leaders from various denominations including Methodists, Baptists, Evangelicals and Lutherans, this historic document even features a signature from the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, soon after he became cardinal-designate.

This open letter emphasizes the true definition of matrimony and the importance of maintaining the institution its traditional form. Written with such great attention to detail and eloquence, I believe it is worth sharing with all of you during this 14-day fight for religious liberty.

Please click to read “Marriage and Religious Freedom: Fundamental Goods That Stand or Fall Together.”

During this Fortnight, as we attend Mass, pray novenas, post signs and read blogs, we encourage everyone to protect marriage as the union between one man and one woman; understanding that in doing so, we protect the religious freedom of all Americans. Marriage and religious freedom are both “deeply woven into the fabric of this nation.” Protecting and preserving the family structure enables Americans of all faiths to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as a special June 28, 2012 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki for the "Fortnight for Freedom" observance. If you are interested in signing up for these emails, please click here.