Sign on now! CTA tells Archbishop: "don't partner with hate"

When LGBT advocates heard that Archbishop Cordileone of San Francisco was planning to speak at the March for Marriage in DC, they knew this went beyond differences of opinion. So they organized a letter to the Bishop, signed by over 70 faith groups and political leaders, including CTA.  A petition was also launched, which has already gathered over 20,000 signatures!

The March for Marriage is co-sponsored by several groups known for their divisive, inaccurate and even violent language about LGBT people, including The Family Research Council, which has been designated an official hate group by SPLC.   "We respect freedom of religion and understand that the Archbishop opposes civil marriage for same-sex couples. Many people of faith who have different opinions on the question of civil marriage for same-sex couples have come together in respectful dialogue and discernment to discuss those differences,” say the letter's organizers. "Unfortunately, the actions and rhetoric of NOM, and those of the event's speakers and co-sponsors, push us farther apart rather than bringing us together."

"We respect freedom of religion and understand that you oppose civil marriage for same-sex couples,” says the letter, "but the actions and rhetoric of NOM, and those of the event’s speakers and co-sponsors, fundamentally contradict Christian belief in the fundamental human dignity of all people." Regardless of the Archbishop’s position on marriage for same-sex couples, encouraging bigotry is unacceptable. While Catholic teaching emphasizes the human dignity of gay and lesbian people, the National Organization for Marriage and the Family Research Council have a history of spouting hateful and damaging lies.  By speaking alongside such groups, Archbishop Cordileone risks lending the church's authority to their vitriol and hatred - and undermining Pope Francis's call for a more compassionate church.

If you haven't signed on yet, add your name to the petition today and read the whole letter on our media page!