Today the Doña Ana County Clerk announced that his office would begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
This is a significant matter that affects society at large and as such is one that is best decided through the legislative branch of government, and, in absence of its action, by the judicial branch. There are cases currently in process to be heard and decided by the New Mexico State Supreme Court. The legislative process (and the judicial, to a lesser degree) at the state government not only allows appropriate public debate on the issue but provides definitive legal direction for the state.
We, the Catholic bishops of New Mexico, reiterate our previous statement on same-sex marriage: “[the] tradition of marriage between one man and one woman comes to us not only from the Judeo-Christian tradition, but it has been witnessed in cultures throughout the world for many millennia.” We believe this institution of marriage to be “unique and irreplaceable,” for “only does the sexual union of a man and woman bring forth children.”
In Christ,
The New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops
Archdiocese of Santa Fe, Most Rev. Michael J. Sheehan, STL, JCD
Diocese of Gallup, Most Rev. James S. Wall
Diocese of Las Cruces, Most Rev. Oscar Cantu