“Jesus teaches us that the masterpiece of society is the family – the man and woman who love each other!”
Pope Francis, Credit – Korean Culture and Information Service, Wikimedia
— Pope Francis, speaking to a crowd of 60,000 in Saint Peter’s Square, the Catholic News Agency reports.
The Pope made the comments in the context of discussing Jesus’ miracles. He also noted that it was important to recognize “the motherhood of women and the fatherhood of men” as an important source of richness for children. Though he made no specific references to same-sex marriage, the Pope’s support for the religious definition of marriage comes as America’s highest court debates the issue of marriage equality.
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, is urging Catholics to pray, fast, and vote "no" on two ballot measures that would protect abortion rights and repeal the state's two-decade-old constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.
Burbidge addressed the measures in a September 30 video posted to the Diocese of Arlington's YouTube channel, shortly after early voting began for the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
The first ballot measure, if approved, would guarantee access to abortion while allowing restrictions during the third trimester, "except when the patient's health is at risk or the pregnancy cannot survive."
On November 3, Virginia voters repealed the Marshall-Newman Amendment, a 2006 constitutional amendment that barred the Commonwealth from recognizing same-sex marriages or granting legal recognition to same-sex relationships. The measure passed with 57% support and enshrines language in the constitution requiring all legally valid marriages to be treated equally under the law, regardless of the spouses' identities.
The ballot measure was fueled by strong support from Democratic-leaning counties, college towns, and other liberal areas, as well as a handful of "swing" counties and independent cities. The amendment received 87% support in Charlottesville, 85% in Arlington, 83% in Alexandria and Richmond, 76% in Williamsburg, 73% in Albemarle County, 72% in Fredericksburg, 71% in Harrisonburg, and 70% in Fairfax County.
Tony Clements is the "Swiss Army Knife of Daddies." At least that's how he's known to casting directors for the national tour of Mamma Mia!, running at the National Theatre. Clements has appeared in various productions of the hit show for years and is often called upon to play one of three possible fathers of Sophie, a bride-to-be who wants her real father to give her away at her wedding. Currently, the Milwaukee native understudies all three fathers and performs in the ensemble.
Clements' husband, Rob Hancock, a Nashville native, is also in the touring production. He portrays Harry Bright, a buttoned-up banker with a rock 'n' roll past and one of the potential fathers. Like Clements, he's appeared in several productions of the show since its North American debut in 2000.
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