Michigan Catholic Conference Testifies in Support of Marriage Amendment
"The Church Did Not Define Marriage, But She Will Defend It"

LANSING – Maintaining that marriage is the foundation of the family and is essential to the continuation of the human race, the Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) testified Feb. 24 in support of House Joint Resolution U during a House Family and Children Services Committee hearing. The Resolution seeks to amend the Michigan Constitution to define marriage as only between one man and one woman.

"The Michigan Catholic Conference supports this joint resolution because of what the Conference stands for -- not whom we stand against," said Sister Monica Kostielney, R.S.M., MCC president and chief executive officer. "Marriage is essential to the continuation of the human race, to the total development of the human person, and to the dignity, stability, peace and prosperity of the family and of society. If we look to marriage as something beyond the union of one man and one woman we essentially change the societal equation."

House Joint Resolution U, sponsored by state Rep. Gary Newell (R-Saranac), proposes to amend the Michigan Constitution of 1963, by adding section 25 to article I, to define marriage as only between one man and one woman. Due to the tidal wave of events that have transpired across the nation, the legislation seeks to further protect Michigan's Defense of Marriage Act that also defines marriage as between only one man and one woman.

"What happens when a man and woman unite is something far larger than either of them individually," said Sister Monica. "Across times, cultures, and very different religious beliefs, marriage is the foundation of the family. Societies that are openly religious and those that are avowedly secular treat marriage with reverence."

"In a manner unlike any other relationship, marriage makes a unique and irreplaceable contribution to the common good of society, especially through the procreation and education of children," said Sister Monica. "The Church did not define marriage, but she will defend it."

House Joint Resolution U passed the committee and now awaits consideration from the full House of Representatives.

The Michigan Catholic Conference is the public policy voice for the Catholic Church in this state.