Bishop Richard J. Malone of the Diocese
of Portland has chided The New York Times for reporting that
the Roman Catholic Church in Maine will be less active in opposing a
ballot question which would legalize gay marriage in the state.
In a letter to the editor, Malone
gave his side of the story.
“Second Time Around, Hope for Gay
Marriage in Maine (news article, June 25) says 'the Roman
Catholic Church plans to be less active than it was in 2009, when
church officials were criticized for being too involved.'”
“I have not backed down in the
church's defense of marriage. Although not a member of the current
political action committee, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland is
playing a crucial role in November's vote, launching a communication
and educational effort based on my pastoral letter,” Malone wrote.
“This document is intended to educate
all people of good will about the truth and beauty of marriage as it
has been preserved for millenniums by society and various religions.”
“Objectively, the essence of marriage
can only be the union of one man and one woman open to the new life
of children, whom they nurture in their irreplaceable roles as father
and mother. Faithful Catholics will continue to defend God’s plan
for marriage through its preaching and teaching and in the public
square.”
Malone
announced in March that the Catholic church would not campaign
against the fall ballot question, opting instead to teach Catholics
about how it defines marriage.