Protect marriage for the good of all

Recently, leaders of some of the largest religious communities in the U.S. came together to express their commitment toward the protection of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. In an open letter titled “The Protection of Marriage: A Shared Commitment,” leaders from Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Evangelical, Jewish, Lutheran, Mormon, Orthodox, Pentecostal and Sikh communities affirmed the importance of preserving marriage's unique meaning.

The letter states: “Marriage is the permanent and faithful union of one man and one woman. As such, marriage is the natural basis of the family. Marriage is an institution fundamental to the well-being of all of society, not just religious communities. . . . The preservation of the unique meaning of marriage is not a special or limited interest but serves the good of all.”

Archbishop Timothy Dolan, president of the U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops, stated: “This is the moment for all, from within and beyond faith communities, to stand for marriage and its unchangeable meaning. The broad consensus reflected in this statement — across great religious divides — is clear: The law of marriage is not about imposing the religion of anyone, but about protecting the common good of everyone.”

The time is now to stand together in protecting traditional marriage as the time-tested, foundational cell of human society.

Arlene Sawicki

South Barrington