Institute on Religion & Democracy (IRD) Thanks Church Leaders Who Defend Marriage


"These strong church leaders contrast with forces of cultural accommodation who would redefine marriage out of existence." -- Mark Tooley, IRD President

WASHINGTON, May 10, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- In a week filled with the news of a traditional marriage amendment's victory in North Carolina and President Obama's support for same-sex marriage, the Institute on Religion and Democracy is thanking church leaders who are publicly defending traditional marriage, including leaders of America's two largest churches.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., headed by Donald Cardinal Wuerl, responded to President Obama by declaring the church affirms traditional marriage "based on the clear understanding that the complementarity of man and woman is intrinsic to the meaning of marriage."

Timothy Cardinal Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), wrote: "We cannot be silent in the face of words or actions that would undermine the institution of marriage, the very cornerstone of our society."

Bryant Wright, president of the Southern Baptist Convention, said "... scripture is very clear that from the beginning, God intended marriage to be between one man and one woman. It is important for us who are followers of Jesus to uphold the sacredness of marriage according to Scripture."

America's third largest religious body, the United Methodist Church, last week rejected attempts to dilute its official stance for traditional marriage. Meanwhile, the president of the declining United Church of Christ hailed President Obama's support for same-sex marriage, as did some bishops of the shrinking Episcopal Church.

IRD President Mark Tooley commented:
"Standing up for traditional marriage is an important responsibility for church leaders in a confused culture needing spiritual and moral direction.

"Roman Catholic and Southern Baptist leaders, among others, in their defense of marriage contrast with forces for cultural accommodation in other churches. They deserve our thanks."
The Institute on Religion & Democracy works to reaffirm the church's biblical and historical teachings, strengthen and reform its role in public life, protect religious freedom, and renew democracy at home and abroad.

www.TheIRD.org

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