An open letter, entitled "The Protection of Marriage: A Shared Commitment," was released on Monday, December 6, 2010, in the nation's capital. The document bore the signatures of 26 leaders representing a wide range of religions and faith communities, including Catholic, Jewish, Mormon, Anglican, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Evangelical, Sikh, and Southern Baptist, among others. Presiding Bishop H. David Burton signed the document on behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Marriage is the permanent and faithful union of one man and one woman. As such, marriage is the natural basis of the family. Marriage is an institution fundamental to the well-being of all society, not just religious communities.
As religious leaders across different faith communities, we join together and affirm our shared commitment to promote and protect marriage as the union of one man and one woman. We honor the unique love between husbands and wives; the indispensable place of fathers and mothers; and the corresponding rights and dignity of all children.
Marriage thus defined is a great good in itself, and it also serves the good of others and society in innumerable ways. The preservation of the unique meaning of marriage is not a special or limited interest but serves the good of all. Therefore, we invite and encourage all people, both within and beyond our faith communities, to stand with us in promoting and protecting marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
This statement clearly represents the position of this family-based newsletter, and we publish it here as an introductory affirmation as we begin the new year.
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