ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — The Catholic dioceses in Virginia say the Supreme Court’s decision legalizing same-sex marriages fails to uphold marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Virginia’s Catholic bishops issued a joint statement Friday saying they are “deeply distressed” by the court’s decision. They say that redefining marriage does not advance anyone’s rights, especially children. The Catholic bishops say they are calling on all Catholics to pray, live and speak out about the “true nature of marriage.” At the same time, the dioceses say all people deserve dignity, love and respect. They say unjust discrimination is always wrong. Also on Friday, a group of gay and lesbian Catholics called Dignity USA celebrated the ruling. They say the court recognized that the love and commitment of same-sex couples is equal.
