What does the Church teach about Marriage?

Clarity on what the Catholic Church teaches about marriage and its stance regarding the upcoming marriage amendment are particularly important right now in light of inaccuracies and misperceptions about both that are circulating in the media and wider society. This special section explains the Catholic view on marriage and why the church is supporting efforts to pass a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

A faithful, exclusive, lifelong union between a man and a woman

 

Catholic marriage: Sacramental, communitarian and missionary

 

Sex and marriage: An expression of love  that is open to new life

 

What happens if marriage is redefined?

 

Why is the marriage amendment necessary?

 

More about Marriage

PDF Download (4.5 MB) Marriage

  • Tkramer65

    why dont  you connect article “Canadian panel share  experience of same sex marriage”  from 10/11/12 spirt  article

  • Rik Murray

     Dear Archbishop Nienstedt

    Peace be with you.

    It is with a deep sense of sadness that I received your letter from the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis with regard to the Marriage Protection Amendment.

    As a member of this Archdiocese, it pains me deeply to see first-hand how the well-meaning, but in my opinion, misguided language and actions of our church hurts those I love and care about.

    I have so many problems with this church driven initiative– I don’t know where to begin.

    If our intent is to promote and protect marriage, then I would think expanding it to be more inclusive, extending this basic human right to all persons in our community, would help strengthen the sacrament/institution– not weaken it.

    On the one hand, we state the sacrament of marriage is the most basic building block of a healthy society and we proclaim the glories and importance of these attributes. On the other hand, we seek to withhold it from a segment of our society based solely on ones sexual orientation.

    Quite simply, I see this as bigotry. The fact that our church is taking a lead on this initiative is disturbing and embarrassing to me. In good conscience, I cannot / will not condone or accept this position. I am voting, “NO”.

    Our church is at her best when we work with and for the marginalized in society, not against them. That our church would attempt to make discrimination constitutional is beyond alarming. The constitution was created to protect the rights and freedoms of our citizens not to limit them.

    Being Catholic, I understand that our church has some real warts. I also understand that the sacred dance continues as we grow and struggle with the challenges of the modern world. However, this latest act of exclusion has affected me to my core and I have serious questions about how long I can continue to reconcile my Self with the church I love.

    Sincerely in Christ
    Rik Murray – Minneapolis

  • S Trost

    The Archbishop and the RC Church embarassed itself when it tied its future to the evangelical Christians and their political agenda.  Catholics are an independent minded people and we simply will not follow political directives from the hierarchy.  The church needs to stay out of politics and spread the gospel without getting into civil law.  Jesus loved all people, especially those in need of his saving grace.

    • TDPelletier

      Mr. or Mrs. Trost,

      You seem frustrated. I am sorry that you don’t understand the message of Christ’s shepards at this moment. Please give yourself some time and pray.

      Jesus said to the Apostles, the predecessors of the bishops: ”Whoever listens to you listens to me”. Catholics are not ”independent minded people”, but obedient people like Christ, who was obedient to the Father even unto death on a cross. Obedience is not a silly way of thinking but humility at work in a person.

      One the issue of marriage, bishops are not only referring to revelation but to natural law, the very grammar with which the universe was written.

      You are right: Jesus loved all people (and he still loves people), including the adultress, to whom he said :”Go and sin no more”.  He did not only say: ”’Neither do I condemn you. Go”, but ”Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more”. Charity and truth go hand in hand. 

  • Richardmurray944

     Dear Archbishop Nienstedt

    Peace be with you.

    It is with a deep sense of sadness that I received your letter from the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis with regard to the Marriage Protection Amendment.

    As a member of this Archdiocese, it pains me deeply to see first-hand how the well-meaning, but in my opinion, misguided language and actions of our church hurts those I love and care about.

    I have so many problems with this church driven initiative– I don’t know where to begin.

    If our intent is to promote and protect marriage, then I would think expanding it to be more inclusive, extending this basic human right to all persons in our community, would help strengthen the sacrament/institution– not weaken it.

    On the one hand, we state the sacrament of marriage is the most basic building block of a healthy society and we proclaim the glories and importance of these attributes. On the other hand, we seek to withhold it from a segment of our society based solely on ones sexual orientation.

    Quite simply, I see this as bigotry. The fact that our church is taking a lead on this initiative is disturbing and embarrassing to me. In good conscience, I cannot / will not condone or accept this position. I am voting, “NO”.

    Our church is at her best when we work with and for the marginalized in society, not against them. That our church would attempt to make discrimination constitutional is beyond alarming. The constitution was created to protect the rights and freedoms of our citizens not to limit them.

    Being Catholic, I understand that our church has some real warts. I also understand that the sacred dance continues as we grow and struggle with the challenges of the modern world. However, this latest act of exclusion has affected me to my core and I have serious questions about how long I can continue to reconcile my Self with the church I love.

    Sincerely in Christ
    Rik – Minneapolis