YOUR VOICES WERE HEARD! SENATE BILL 899, “An Act Implementing the Guarantee of Equal Protection Under the Constitution of the State for Same Sex Couples," passes the State Legislature with a conscience protections amendment for religious organizations.

Learn more about the Catholic Church's compassionate teachings on homosexuality: "Ministry to Persons with a Homosexual Inclination: Guidelines for Pastoral Care" from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: click here Catechism of the Catholic Church: paragraphs 2332-2333; 2357-2359. Courage, an apostolate of the Roman Catholic Church which ministers to those with same-sex attractions and their loved ones: click here "The Church offers hope to all" in its pastoral outreach to Catholics with homosexual inclinations: Fairfield County Catholic articles: click here

A Thank You from Bishop Lori

Dear friends in Christ,

Allow me to thank you most sincerely for your response to Senate Bill #899. As you recall, it was intended to implement the Connecticut Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage. As originally written, Bill #899 provided no real protection for the rights of religious organizations.

Thanks to an outpouring of letters, emails, and calls from Catholics and other concerned citizens throughout the State of Connecticut, the Bill was amended. It now includes a significant exemption for churches and affiliated organizations. This exemption covers items such as marriage ceremonies, use of facilities, and delivery of adoption services and foster care. Our Church will continue to provide compassionate care to people in need throughout Fairfield County.

The Church continues to defend, vigorously, traditional marriage as foundational to a healthy society. It believes that the Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage was erroneous. Nonetheless, we should be grateful to those legislators who listened to our outcry and amended this legislation to protect religious liberty.

Thanks to the leadership of the clergy, and thanks to your leadership as citizens and believers, we have made a difference in our State. Bill #1098, the unconstitutional Church re-organization bill, was withdrawn. An assisted suicide bill was withdrawn. An attempt to further expand the civil statutes for sexual abuse died in committee. And Senate Bill #899 was significantly amended.

All this shows how important and valuable it is when we unite in voicing our concerns. I am deeply grateful.

I ask God to bless you and your loved ones, most especially during this joyous Easter season.

Faithfully in Christ,

Most Reverend William E. Lori
Bishop of Bridgeport