US bishops launch initiative to teach about unique place of marriage

Washington D.C., Jun 29, 2010 / 22:56 pm

Seeking to help catechize and educate Catholics on the meaning of marriage as the union of a man and a woman, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage has launched an initiative titled “Marriage: Unique for a Reason.”

The initiative’s launch coincided with the release of the first of five videos. The first in the series is titled “Made for Each Other” and includes a viewer’s guide and a resource booklet, a USCCB press release reports. The video examines sexual difference and the complementarity between man and woman as husband and wife in marriage.

Other videos in the series discuss the good of children, the good of society and the nature of discrimination, religious liberty and issues particular to a Latino audience.

Archbishop of Louisville, Kentucky Joseph Kurtz, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee, said the effort was grounded in the recognition that marriage is “at the heart of a flourishing society and culture.”

“The truth of marriage lies at the very core of a true concern for justice and the common good. Promoting marriage is crucial to the New Evangelization,” he commented. He said the materials provide a “starting point” to assist Catholics and all people of good will in understanding why marriage can only be the union of one man and one woman.

The DVD, guide and booklet are intended for use by priests, deacons, catechists, teachers and other leaders. The USCCB said that potential uses include instruction for young adult groups, adult faith formation, and seminary and diaconate education.

The materials are available for purchase through USCCB Publishing and are online at www.MarriageUniqueForaReason.org.