The Catholic Church has had a long-standing tradition of being opposed to same-sex marriage as well as homosexuality’s role in society. With same-sex marriage’s leagalization on Tuesday, it is a historic time for the state. Wyoming is the thirty-second state to legalize same-sex marriage, opening up discussion in the state.
Such discussion is also occurring in the Catholic Church, as more people are beginning to tolerate and accept same-sex marriage and its role in Wyoming and the church.
Sara Caudle, a weekly participant at St. Paul’s Newman Center and UW student said that her perspective on the issue has changed over time, and that Catholicism has had a major impact on her stance in the past.
“Growing up in a Conservative household, I’ve always been against same-sex marriage as well as my parents,” Caudle said. “I’d always hear how it’s wrong every Sunday from my priest. For as long as I can remember I have agreed with the views of my parents and my church that same-sex marriage was a sin and a huge issue in our society. Not until I reached college, met new, different people, and attended St. Paul’s Newman Center did I start to think for myself and disagree with my parents and all of the other Catholic churches I have previously attended.”
For Caudle, the issue is not one of religion, but of constitutionality.
“I agree that it is unconstitutional to refuse rights to anyone, including same-sex marriage,” she said. “I think anyone should be able to marry whoever they wish because it should be basic human rights to marry who you want.”
Sara Caudle is in disagreement with other Catholics and Christians who believe that the church should not tolerate same-sex marriage.
Chi Alpha, a Christian group on the UW campus, does not believe in the notion that the church should approve of same-sex couples.
Sarah Jones, a Criminal Justice major and Chi Alpha member, said that people have been coming up to a few Chi Alpha members asking their opinion on same-sex marriage. She tells people that main goal is not to judge anyone but that they do not encourage that “behavior.”
“I don’t necessary agree on the lifestyle but that doesn’t mean I don’t accept the person.” Jones said. “I’ve had a couple of gay and lesbian friends and I’ll still love them but they are aware that I don’t approve of their lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be friends or talk about the subject. I think that everyone in this house accepts everybody and we do our best to love everybody, but we make it clear we don’t agree with it.”
Even though there are many Catholic and Christian groups that invite people to come worship with them there is still a theological difference in regards to same-sex marriage and its social acceptance.
