El Paso Catholic bishop calls Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage ‘tragic’

Catholic Diocese of El Paso Bishop Mark J. Seitz released the following statement on the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage.

“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body.” (Gen. 2: 24) This definition of marriage, reaffirmed in clear terms by Jesus, is what we have received from God. It is truly tragic that our United States Supreme Court has taken it upon itself today to contravene what God himself has revealed, a truth also inscribed in the very nature of human beings. This ruling will have tragic consequences for many but clearly the biggest losers will be children who have a fundamental right to be raised in a stable home with the father and mother who brought them to life.

“Civil States have for centuries given special protection to marriage because it was recognized that this life-giving relationship is the very foundation of a healthy society. The fact that some married couples do not live up to their high calling should not lead the government to redefine this unique and fundamental institution.

“We as Catholic Christians reiterate that there is no justification for prejudice or discrimination toward anyone for any reason. Every person is a child of God and deserves respect and love. That is certainly true of our love for those who are gay. It is our responsibility as disciples of Christ to love and support all of our members even as we call them to follow Christ’s teaching. We will do the same with those who live with same-sex attractions and we will call them to live holy and chaste lives bearing their particular crosses with the joy that only Christ can bring. We will continue to pray for these brothers and sisters and for our nation.”