Bishop Ricken's Message
July 2004

CHEYENNE – During the week of July 12, the United States Senate is scheduled to debate the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment. This measure, introduced as Senate Joint Resolution 30 by Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO) currently reads as follows: Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Neither this Constitution, nor the Constitution of any State, shall be construed to require that marriage or the legal incidents, thereof, be conferred upon any union other than the union of a man and a woman. The next few days are a critical time for us to call or to write to
express our support to our Wyoming Senators by encouraging them to vote for this amendment
on behalf of marriage and family life. A special word of appreciation should go to Wyoming Senator
Mike Enzi for co-sponsoring this amendment. A recent national poll conducted by Senator Wayne Allard, from Colorado, reveals that sixty-two percent of Americans, of all religions, races and political persuasions, agreed with this definition of marriage and fifty-seven percent support this amendment on behalf of marriage and family. The Church’s teaching has been strong, consistent and clear on the
meaning of marriage which is a revered institution between a man and a woman, only. Marriage
needs the protection of law because it is the very fabric of our society. The Holy Father, just last week, in
his address to the Bishops of Brazil said, “The family, the central and fundamental nucleus of all society…
deserves the maximum protection and help to carry out its mission.” The Pope reminded all Christians that, “We cannot give in to certain voices that seem to confuse marriage with other forms of union that are completely different, when not contrary to it.” The Bishops of the United States of America have also spoken very strongly about marriage as constituted by the natural law. Marriage was given by God, and was not created by the society or by the Church. The Bishops Conference has issued a wonderful question and answer pamphlet called Between Man and Woman which clearly answers many questions
that people have in this regard. If you want a copy of Between Man and Woman please contact the
Chancery Office. Brothers and Sisters in Christ, for the sake of the protection of our society and the institution of marriage and family, I encourage you to write, call, or e-mail our Senators from Wyoming and express your strong support of this Federal Marriage Amendment.