The leader of Maine’s Roman Catholics has told churchgoers across the state they have a moral duty to oppose moves to legalize same-sex marriage in the state.Although no legislation has been introduced in the state House, LGBT groups are gathering support for gay marriage. Bills have been filed in neighboring Vermont and New Hampshire. Same-sex marriage already is legal in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
The pastoral letter by Bishop Richard Malone was read at Sunday mass and called on Catholics to work to preserve the traditional sacrament of marriage.
The letter said that redefining marriage strips the institution of an essential component, “namely the ability and obligation to procreate.”
Malone’s letter was read as hundreds of gays and lesbians marched in Portland’s Monument Square to protest California voters’ rejection of same-sex marriage, and only days after a group of Maine ministers from different faiths announced their support for gay marriage.
The pastors held news conference to say they had the support of more than 120 religious leaders representing 14 different faiths from throughout Maine.
The group has formed the Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry in Maine to raise awareness of the same-sex marriage issue.
Maine law defines marriage as the union of a man and a woman.
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