Proposition 8 Passes in California

The definition of marriage between a man and a woman has been restored. It is now in the California Constitution.

Proposition 8 passed 52.5% - 47.5%, by a margin of a half million votes. The victory was only possible because of the participation of 100,000 volunteers and almost 80,000 donors -- many participating in a political campaign for the first time. 

http://ccgaction.org/family/protectmarriage/cathforprop8

California voters have approved Proposition 8

Tuesday is our moment to vote YES on Prop 8.

Please spread the word by sending your friends and family a message in the last 24 hours of this campaign asking them to vote Yes on 8!

Voting YES on Proposition 8 on Tuesday, November 4th. A Yes vote will restore traditional marriage.

Marriage is about much more than desires of two adults. It has profound implications for all of society -- especially our children. Voting yes on 8 protects our children from being taught in schools that same-sex marriage is the same as traditional marriage, and Californians from facing mandatory compliance regardless of deeply held personal or religious beliefs.  

Before you vote, learn more about Proposition 8:  

http://www.protectmarriage.com 

And watch this important video telling the story of Proposition 8 -- including (ironically, given the opposition's claims) the intolerance and harrassment faced by our supporters:  

http://www.protectmarriage.com/tell

Most importantly -- don't forget to vote YES on Proposition 8 on Tuesday. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

This is what will happen if prop. 8 fails to pass.

From the State office.

If you believe what the Bible says about marriage (Genesis 2:24) then forward this link to all your friends.

The video below shows what will happen if prop. 8 fails to pass. 

CLICK LINK BELOW:

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1352578267/bctid1784521903 

Getting Started on Proposition 8 Activities

Worthy Brother Knights,

I am appointing the 16 Chapter Presidents as the chairmen for their prospective chapters for getting the attached letter out to all brother Knights in the state.  Each Chapter DD is to coordinate his involvement with his Chapter President for the Chapter's plan and steps to be taken to flow the attached letter down to the councils, parishes and all Catholics in the Chapter's jurisdiction.  In this way, 16 Chapters will be working in parallel to reach as many Catholics, non-Catholics, and ALL concerned citizens of California regarding Proposition 8.  This flow down will most likely  involve emails, direct mailings to those not reachable by email, and participation with the local Parishes and Community organizations who will be working to elevate the awareness of Proposition 8 and to get the people out to vote.  The attached letter (posted to the right) provides the means to get 'connected' with these important activities.

Time is of the essence and we need to move out immediately on this.I have also asked the State Office to broadcast various messages concerning Proposition 8 through this tiered Chapter-DD-Council structure to assist the efforts of the 16 Chapter Presidents and the District Deputies.  The State Office is available to help the Chapter Presidents and the District Deputies with their communication needs.

Through the State Council Officers, we will be working with Ned Dolejsi, who represents the California Conference of Bishops and Bill May, with Catholics for the Common Good.  Please read as much information on the various web sites provided from theState Office.  We have approval and support from our Supreme Office and our Catholic Bishops: and the Knights of Columbus of California are expected to do all that is humanly possible to make sure Proposition 8 passes in November.

God Bless all of you!

Saint Anthony Pray for Us

Bob Villalobos

State Deputy 

Californians Hoping to Define Marriage in November

If you were wondering how big, the California Protect Marriage amendment is here is what the news media from Rome, Zenith reported today.  You can be sure that the Holy Father is looking carefully at the outcome of the November election.

God bless,

Emilio

ZENIT

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The World Seen From Rome

Daily dispatch - August 29, 2008

VATICAN WORLD FEATURES

Californians Hoping to Define Marriage in November

Bishops Speak Up in Favor of "Proposition 8"

SACRAMENTO, California, AUG. 29, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Citizens in California are campaigning in preparation for November, but not just regarding the presidential election. They are facing "Proposition 8," to place a definition of marriage in the state constitution.

Coadjutor Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento and the other California prelates have joined their voices to an effort that is bringing together conservative Christians, Mormons, Catholics and other groups in an attempt to inform voters before they make their choice on the ballot.

Proposition 8 responds to a state Supreme Court decision in May that made California the second U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage. But critics of the court decision managed to get a proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot. A similar measure was passed by 61% of California voters in 2000, though that measure was struck down by the May decision. 

Bishop Soto dedicated his Aug. 16 column in the Catholic Herald to "Keeping Our Eyes Fixed on Marriage."

"Marriage as it is -- the union of a woman and a man for the purpose of having children -- will continue to exist but without a word," the bishop wrote. "It won't exist in language and it won't exist in law. People will point to the reflection but not the actual fact of a family created by the sexual union of a woman and man."

The bishop affirmed arrangements that reflect certain characteristics of marriage are being taken for marriage itself.

"Like a hall of mirrors, we have lots of reflections without having to take responsibility for seeing and naming the real thing," he said.

But Bishop Soto encouraged readers to stay focused on the truth of marriage. "It is not a matter of what or who we are against," he affirmed. "We are keeping our eyes fixed on marriage. It is a matter of seeing marriage for what it is, hoping that our courts and legislators will quit playing with mirrors."

State appeal On Aug. 1, Catholic bishops of the state released a statement in favor of Proposition 8.

"The issue before us with Proposition 8 is 'marriage' -- an ancient, yet modern, human institution which pre-exists both Church and government," they wrote. "Marriage, history shows us, is intrinsic to stable, flourishing and hospitable societies. Although cultural differences have occurred, what has never changed is that marriage is the ideal relationship between a man and a woman for the purpose of procreation and the continuation of the human race."

The prelates mentioned six points to help Catholics respond "to this radical change in California's public policy regarding marriage," brought about in May.

They affirmed that "same-sex unions are not the same as opposite-sex unions" and that "the ideal for the well being of children is to be born into a traditional marriage and to be raised by both a mother and a father."

The bishops added, "[W]e need to recall that marriage mirrors God's relationship with us. […] Any other pairing -- while possibly offering security and companionship to the individuals involved -- is not marriage."

"Protecting the traditional understanding of marriage should not in any way disparage our brothers and sisters -- even if they disagree with us," the bishops clarified. And they urged the faithful to "pray and work for a just resolution of this issue, which is so important to the well being of the human family." They added that as citizens, Catholics should avail of the vote as the chance to overturn the California Supreme Court ruling.

New Article

August 12, 2008

My Brother Knights,

The Knights of Columbus have assumed a leadership role in ‘Catholics for  ProtectMarriage.com’, the part of the campaign for Prop 8 focused on the recruitment and mobilization of Catholic volunteers.  Time is short so I am asking you and your councils to move quickly to become part of the coordinated campaign to restore the definition of marriage in California.

The campaign goes into full swing with neighborhood walks starting on the weekend of August 16 and, with the exception of Labor Day weekend, continuing through the weekend of September 6.

This campaign is going to require massive numbers of volunteers for these walks, organized phoning, distribution of yard signs and other volunteer campaign activities.  I am asking that councils assist ‘Catholics for ProtectMarriage.com’ with the recruitment of 30,000 volunteers from our ranks, the ranks of other Catholic organizations and any other people willing to work for the passage of Proposition 8

It is important to clarify that the only way for volunteers to get connected with the local campaign is to sign up individually at http://catholicsforprotectmarriage.com.  Almost all campaign activities will be organized by zip code and only volunteers who sign up will receive specific instructions and be invited to local meetings and briefings.

I am assigning coordinators for every Chapter and am asking District Deputies to support the efforts of the councils.  I would like every council to endorse Prop 8 and appoint a liaison for the campaign.  By endorsing, each council will have its name included on a public list of supporters on the ProtectMarriage.com website.  Endorsement forms can be downloaded at http://catholicsforprotectmarriage.com. 

‘Catholics for ProtectMarriage.com’ is also looking for brother Knights who are willing and able to step into campaign leadership roles at regional, county and area levels.  If there are people in your council who have such an interest, please have them contact Brother Bill May at bill@ccgaction.org as soon as possible.

Restoring the definition of marriage in California is absolutely critical to every family in California and the entire nation.  We are up against a well-financed, clever, and well-organized opponent.  We must respond with the commitment and sacrifice needed to out recruit and out organize them.  Working together, the leadership and participation of the order and our fellow brothers can make the difference in the future of marriage and family.  This is our time to step up. 

Fraternally Yours in Christ

Robert J. Villalobos

State Deputy

New Article

My Worthy California Brother Knights,

I am encouraging all members, councils, assemblies and chapters throughout the state to affirm our commitment to marriage , family and the gift of life by endorsing and contributing monetarily in support of Proposition 8.

Robert J. Villalobos

California State Deputy

St. Francis Chapter

Please click St. Francis Chapter below.

Worthy Brother Knights,

FYI...Please check on the following web sites. Your participation and support is highly needed.

Knights of Columbus Protect Marriage

St. Francis Chapter

Fraternally,

Bradley M. Roxas

District Deputy No.24