The US Supreme Court decisions on June 26 striking down part of the Defense of Marriage Act, and refusing to rule on th emerits of a challenge to California's Proposition 8 does not change what the Church believes or teaches about the nature of Christian marriage, according to Bishop O'Connell.
In a response issues immediately after the ruling, Bishop O'Connell said, "No decision of any civil court or legislature at any level whatsoever changes the Church's faith or any of its teachings, including its teachings and beliefs regarding the nature of Christian marriage between a man and a woman, a union that, when entered in good faith and validity, is faithful, fruitful, and permanent."