Traditional Marriage
The Church teaches that the well-being of the individual person and of society is intimately linked with marriage and family. Studies also consistently support the many societal benefits rooted in the permanent union of one man with one woman. Despite such evidence, however, more couples in the United States choose not to marry and, at the same time, are increasingly accepting of a variety of non-marital and alternative sexual relationships.
Marriage and Family in the United States : The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offers a review of research on the benefits generated from families rooted in traditional marriage.
Focus: Defending One Man and One Woman in Marriage : The Michigan Catholic Conference in 2004 stated its reasons for supporting an amendment to the state constitution to recognize marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
Marriage: Unique for a Reason : Through this website, the U.S. Bishops invite people to learn about the basics of marriage, what it is, why it’s important to society, and what the impact of redefining it would be.
Additional Resources
- USA Today: Q&A with U.S. Bishops’ Chairman for Promotion and Defense of Marriage
- America Magazine: The threat of same-sex marriage
- U.S. Bishops: Resources for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage
