Reports that the Roman Catholic Church was sitting out a referendum battle on marriage equality in Maine may have been premature. Based on a July 1 letter published in the New York Times, the church intends to stick its religious nose into the realm of secular marriage where it does not belong: 
“Second Time Around, Hope for Gay Marriage in Maine” (news article, June 25) says “the Roman Catholic Church plans to be less active than it was in 2009, when church officials were criticized for being too involved.”
I have not backed down in the church’s defense of marriage. Although not a member of the current political action committee, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland is playing a crucial role in November’s vote, launching a communication and educational effort based on my pastoral letter.
This document is intended to educate all people of good will about the truth and beauty of marriage as it has been preserved for millenniums by society and various religions.
Objectively, the essence of marriage can only be the union of one man and one woman open to the new life of children, whom they nurture in their irreplaceable roles as father and mother. Faithful Catholics will continue to defend God’s plan for marriage through its preaching and teaching and in the public square.
(Bishop) RICHARD J. MALONE
Diocese of Portland
Portland, Me., June 26, 2012
Isn’t it time the IRS, taxes this church (as well as many others)? They are clearly a political entity existing off our tax breaks and have no intention of following the rules. For Catholics fed up with the anachronistic and cruel politicization of this church, you might want to consider leaving it. After all, who would want to subsidize their own discrimination?
For those Catholics who think exiting, instead of enabling the church is difficult, check out what a few wise and brave Mormons did:
A group of about 150 Mormons quit their church in a mass resignation ceremony in Salt Lake City on Saturday in a rare display of defiance ending decades of disagreement for some over issues ranging from polygamy to gay marriage. Participants from Utah, Arizona, Idaho and elsewhere gathered in a public park to sign a “Declaration of Independence from Mormonism.”
“This feels awesome,” said Alison Lucas, from West Jordan, Utah, who took part in the rally amid soaring temperatures. “I don’t know if I would have had the courage except in a group.”
Yep, you can feel awesome too by not staying in a place that persecutes you. There are so many gay-friendly religious organizations who will love, support, and accept you. Why not support these groups, instead of throwing your money and time at a church that uses dogma to treat you like Michael Vick’s dog?
Wayne’s right – they should be stripped of their tax-exempt status with immediate effect. This is unacceptable.
Taxing the churches? That’s a bit of a stretch. As I understand it, tax law only prohibits direct support of a candidate or political party, but NOT issue advocacy. I know you’re well aware of that Wayne.
I don’t understand why church leaders feel they must pour so much time, energy and resources into reaffirming their stance against marriage equality. It feels very mean-spirited to me when there are many other concerns in this world that should be high priorities to them. This is a good way to drive people away from the church for good.
Some more closeted, bigoted, unmarried old men proclaiming that they know more about marriage than anyone else does. Some more closeted, bigoted, unmarried old men demanding that the state enact and keep in place their own brand of sharia law.
Religion should be given no more respect than any other institution in society. Those who hold religious beliefs that infringe on society need to justify their beliefs in the market of ideas. Unfortunately these unmarried old men have more packs of lies prepared to try to scare the voters into voting approval for their brand of sharia law. I have no respect at all for their beliefs or their actions.
Anyone who thinks the Catholic church is not going to be deeply involved in the anti-gay movement only needs to look at NOM. The Catholic Church can only deflect attention away from its pedophilia scandels by going forward with its evil anti-gay agenda.
Well, I wouldn’t expect them to be doing anything to actually help people.
These misogynistic old queens will stop at nothing to preserve their power and privilege. Too bad they’ve never had to really work at a real job for a living. Might give them some humility.