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?
