Category: History

Culture, General, History, Life, Love, Politics, Social Issues

History in the Making

Much has been said, written and blogged about the two same-sex marriage cases up for argument before the Supreme Court tomorrow and Wednesday. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, for Cliff and me it has been about the fundamental American value of fairness. We have always believed that, as American citizens, we deserve the same equal protections enshrined in our Constitution with the Fourteenth Amendment in 1868.

The amendment’s equal protection clause requires each state to provide equal protection under the law to all people within its jurisdiction. The meaning of the clause, according to its principal author, John Bingham, was that it conferred upon Congress the power to ensure that the “protection given by the laws of the States shall be equal in respect to life and liberty and property to all persons.” That’s all that same-sex couples like Cliff and I are asking: that we be treated equally under the law. Our marriage, although it took place in Vancouver, BC, is nonetheless recognized by a handful of states and jurisdictions but not by others. Is it too much to ask that we be treated equally throughout the land, that our lawful marriage be recognized and that its benefits be conferred. Equality is not a special right. It’s an American value.

General, History, Religion, Spirituality

Since You Asked About Vatican II

Lots of questions, especially from non-Catholics, about the Second Vatican Council. A brief primer follows.

Vatican Council II was the 21st general, or ecumenical, council of the Catholic Church. It was held from Oct. 11, 1962 through Dec. 8, 1965. The council is regarded by many as the most significant religious event since the 16th-century Reformation and certainly the most important of the 20th century. The council produced 16 documents: four were constitutions, nine were decrees, and three were declarations. A constitution is a major document that intends to set a direction for the whole Church. A decree is a significant document, intended to foster further reflection and set a pace and direction for future discussion. A declaration is a statement of a theological position that is important for its influence on future dialogue.

A summary of the teachings of Vatican II:

  • The Church is, first and foremost, a mystery, or sacrament, and not primarily an organization or institution.
  • The Church is the whole People of God, not just the hierarchy, clergy, and religious.
  • The Church’s mission includes action on behalf of justice and peace and is not limited to the preaching of the word and the celebration of the sacraments.
  • The Church includes all Christians and is not limited exclusively to the Catholic Church.
  • The Church is a communion, or college, of local churches, which are not simply administrative subdivisions of the Church universal.
  • The Church is an eschatological community; it is not yet the reign of God.
  • The lay apostolate is a direct participation in the mission of the Church, and not simply a sharing in the mission of the hierarchy.
  • There is a hierarchy of truths; not all official teachings of the Church are equally binding or essential to the integrity of Catholic faith.
  • God uses other Christian churches and non-Christian religions in offering salvation to all humankind; the Catholic Church is not the only means of salvation.
  • The dignity of the human person and the freedom of the act of faith are the foundation of religious liberty for all.