Keep Quiet, Archbishop Tells Opponents of Antigay Measure

If any Roman Catholic clergy in Minnesota have reservations about the state's proposed anti-marriage equality amendment, they should not engage in "open dissension," says Minneapolis archbishop John C. Nienstedt.

A liberal Catholic group, Progressive Catholic Voice, Thursday published online Nienstedt's statements on the matter, which he made to a gathering of priests in October and then sent to those unable to attend, The American Independentreports.

"The end game of those who oppose the marriage amendment that we support is not just to secure certain benefits for a particular minority, but, I believe, to eliminate the need for marriage altogether," Nienstedt said. "This can only lead to continued destabilizing the family unit itself. Both those realities will happen if marriage is redefined or, perhaps better put, 'undefined.'"

He continued, "It is my expectation that all the priests and deacons in this Archdiocese will support this venture and cooperate with us in the important efforts that lie ahead. ... There ought not be open dissension on this issue. If any have personal reservations, I do not wish that they be shared publicly. If anyone believes in conscience that he cannot cooperate, I want him to contact me directly and I will plan to respond personally."

Progressive Catholic Voice members denounced the archbishop's statement, the Independent notes. "The archbishop's letter is problematic in many ways," said Michael Bayly. "As a gay man, I find it particularly offensive that he can't even bring himself to name gay and lesbian people. We're simply a 'minority' seemingly out to destroy the church and civilization. Such an absurd caricature would be funny if not for the hurtful and damaging consequences to individuals, couples, and families resulting from the archbishop's anti-marriage equality activism."

Said another member, Paula Ruddy: "When I first read this letter I couldn't believe that the archbishop was telling priests and deacons to be silent if they were opposed to the marriage amendment. Is one's position on whether the state constitution should be amended a matter of church doctrine? How are Catholics to form their consciences if their pastors are not candid with them?"

The Minnesota Catholic hierarchy has been a key force in the effort to amend the state's constitution to ban same-sex marriage; citizens will vote on the amendment in November. The Minnesota Catholic Conference has joined the National Organization for Marriage and the Minnesota Family Council in the Minnesota for Marriage Coalition, which is lobbying for the amendment. The Minneapolis archdiocese also has issued a special prayer for parishioners to say leading up to the election, which says in part, "Grant to us all the gift of courage to proclaim and defend your plan for marriage, which is the union of one man and one woman in a lifelong, exclusive relationship."