My letter is in response to the article “Iowa bishops disagree with marriage ruling” in the April 9 issue of The Catholic Messenger. The bishops are quoted as stating that the decision “implements a novel understanding of marriage, which will grievously harm families and children.”
First of all, I would like to know how my six-year, monogamous, loving relationship with my partner is in any way “novel.” More importantly, I would like to know how giving the rights, responsibilities and stability of civil (not religious) marriage to my partner and I would “grievously harm families and children.”
Since Massachusetts became the first state to allow marriage equality several years ago, I have yet to hear of one heterosexual marriage that has been destroyed by gay people being allowed to marry. I have yet to see a child abused or neglected because people of the same gender are marrying.
The bishops say they “uphold the right of all people to be treated with respect and live in peace.” To use one of many examples, my peace of mind would be greatly improved if I were certain my partner and I would be allowed at each other’s hospital bedsides if, God forbid, something should happen to either of us.
The bishops’ statement is inaccurate, unjust and un-Christian to all gay members of the body of Christ.
Cullin Schooley
Des Moines
