U.S. Bishops Conference to Discuss Marriage

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Zenit.org) - The U.S. bishops' conference plans to review current efforts to defend marriage, including initiatives such as a new set of videos on parenthood, sexual complementarity and family.

This discussion will take place during the bishops' upcoming Nov. 16-19 meeting in Baltimore, Maryland, a press release from the conference reported today.

Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, chair of the conference's Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage, will give a report to the prelates on its efforts in catechesis, education and public policy.

This effort to "promote and protect marriage as the exclusive and permanent union between a man and a woman" is one of five conference goals laid out for 2009-2011.

The initiative also encompasses the development of a pastoral statement, "Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan," and a Web site called "For Your Marriage."

The conference reported that five short videos are being developed by the committee, which will be released along with pamphlets and a new Web site in 2010.

These materials will discuss topics such as "the beauty of sexual difference between man and woman, the gift of a child, the unique roles of mothers and fathers, the dignity of the human person, and the fact that marriage and family are fundamental to the common good and important for religious liberty."

The conference noted that the materials are geared mainly toward young adults as well as priests and deacons.

Aside from marriage, the other priorities of the conference are focusing on faith formation and sacramental practice, vocations to the priesthood and religious life, the life and dignity of the human person, and cultural diversity -- with particular emphasis on Hispanics.

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