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Monday 29 June 2015

Statement from Bishop Swain

Statement from The Most Reverend Paul J. Swain Bishop of Sioux Falls June 26, 2015 offered in the wake of the United States Supreme Court’s Obergefell v. Hodges Decision 

The 5-4 decision of the United States Supreme Court redefining marriage is not a surprise but still a sad development. I fully support the statement made by the President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, Archbishop of Louisville, and its characterization of the Court’s decision as harmful to the common good. I also fully concur in his call to be people of faith, hope and love. Faith in the unchanging truth of marriage as God intended; hope that this truth will once again prevail in our society; and love of all our neighbors even those who disagree or punish us for our faith and moral convictions. On Monday, June 29 beginning at 7:00 PM at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, a previously scheduled prayer service will be held in conjunction with our annual Fortnight for Freedom. This coordinated effort of the US bishops seeks to raise awareness of threats to our protected religious liberty. The recent ruling and other examples of intrusion into protected freedoms will be addressed more fully at that time. Saint Thomas More and Saint Joseph our patrons, pray for us.