Editorial

In March of 2006, Pope Benedict XVI spelled out three "non-negotiable" principles for the public arena. He talked about these key ideas in a little-noticed address to European parliamentarians.

These three principles are not truths of faith, clarified Pope Benedict. Instead, they are "inscribed in human nature" and are therefore "common to humanity."

The three principles are:

• Protection of life in all its stages from the moment of conception until natural death.

• Recognition and promotion of the natural structure of the family as a union between a man and a women based on marriage - and its defense from attempts to make it juridically equivalent to different forms of union.

• Protection of the rights of parents to educate their children.

Marriage referendum. On November 7, citizens in Wisconsin will have the opportunity to act on one of those three principles. We will be voting on a referendum to change the state Constitution to define marriage. The referendum says:

"Shall section 13 of article XIII of the constitution be created to provide that only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state and that a legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized in this state?"

Inserted in this week's Catholic Herald [print edition] is a brochure called "Marriage Matters." The brochure was prepared by the Diocese of Madison's Office of Justice and Pastoral Outreach to educate Catholics about this referendum. More information on the referendum is also found on Page 7 [print edition] in the Faithful Citizenship series produced by the Wisconsin Catholic Conference.

Don't be alarmed. Opponents are trying to alarm citizens about the second sentence of the referendum. However, be assured that the amendment will not result in an automatic change in any established benefits. Wisconsin's judges and legislators will continue to determine what benefits are permitted to individuals and couples.

We must preserve and protect marriage between one man and one woman as the basis of our society. Please keep Pope Benedict's principles in mind as you vote on November 7. Join me in voting "yes" on the marriage amendment.

Mary C. Uhler

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