AMERICA/UNITED STATES - Bishops launch a nationwide pastoral plan in defense of marriage

Washington (Agenzia Fides) – The US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), in recognizing the societal implications of legislative and judicial efforts to redefine marriage, has joined efforts with the Knights of Columbus to develop a national plan of action in defense of marriage. They have created an ad hoc committee, appointed by Cardinal Francis George, President of the USCCB. The committee will be chaired by Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, who also serves as chair of the USCCB sub-committee on Marriage and Family Life. Other members are Bishop William Lori of Bridgeport, and chair of the bishops' Committee on Doctrine; and Bishop Gabino Zavala, auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles. Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, serves as a consultant on the committee.
The main objective will be to increase efforts to make known the unique beauty of the vocation to marriage, Archbishop Kurtz explained in a press conference held for the committee's presentation. The Knights have agreed to fund the bishops' efforts. First initiatives will include the development of a brief video affirming that marriage is a unique relationship between a man and a woman. This new plan to defend marriage continues broader efforts undertaken by the bishops aimed at promoting and protecting marriage. In addition to their 2003 statement on same-sex unions, the bishops in 2004 began a National Pastoral Initiative for Marriage, whose main purpose is to strengthen marriages. A major outreach of the Initiative has been a "For Your Marriage" campaign, which includes public service messages and a Web site offering information and help to engaged and married couples. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 21/10/2008)