US Cardinal 'saddened' by Obama's comments on marriage

Cardinal Timothy Dolan

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued the following statement today, following President Obama's comments last night expressing support for legalising marriage of gay couples.

The Cardinal said: "President Obama's comments today in support of the redefinition of marriage are deeply saddening. As I stated in my public letter to the President on September 20, 2011, the Catholic Bishops stand ready to affirm every positive measure taken by the President and the Administration to strengthen marriage and the family. However, we cannot be silent in the face of words or actions that would undermine the institution of marriage, the very cornerstone of our society. The people of this country, especially our children, deserve better.

"Unfortunately, President Obama's words today are not surprising since they follow upon various actions already taken by his Administration that erode or ignore the unique meaning of marriage.

I pray for the President every day, and will continue to pray that he and his Administration act justly to uphold and protect marriage as the union of one man and one woman. May we all work to promote and protect marriage and by so doing serve the true good of all persons."

Source: USCCB