Catholic stance on marriage

Marriages are both wonderful and challenging. Marriage is designed to be an insitute of love, commitment and support. Praying to God for help in a marriage is often needed and works to improve the quality of the relationship.

The Catholic belief is that marriage is defined between a woman and a man. Both genders are important because they bring unique aspects to the table. A man has different attributes than a woman and vice versa.

President Obama says he supports homosexual marriage. Some rejoice and some are saddened. Catholics are often unfairly judged as being 'homophobic,' but that is simply not the case. Catholics don't fear gays but do not agree or think its in God's plan to have sexual relations with the same sex.

Marriage, as discussed in many parts of the Bible, is designed for creation of human life. It is such a unique and sacred union that it should be protected for what it is. Men and women are different and shouldn't be judged for being different.

With that said, Catholicism is not against gay people. Catholicism is against the behavior that takles away from a marriage that God intended. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "Men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies . . . must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided."³

For more information, go to CatholicAnswers on Gay marriage

Catholic Prayer for Marriage
God please bless this marriage in warmth and strength. Give these two people guidance, love, and understanding to be the best that they can be. Be with them through the difficult moments and the beautiful ones. Teach them that marriage is a loving process and challenge. Thank you God.
Amen.