Bishop: 'We do not judge anyone'

The leader of Sioux Falls' Catholic diocese reaffirmed the church's stance against same-sex marriage Monday, calling for followers to not "disown God's law."

Bishop Paul Swain led a prayer service for religious freedom at the St. Joseph's Cathedral, reacting to the United States Supreme Court's recent ruling on gay marriage.

In a 5-4 decision, judges decided states could not impose bans against gay marriage. Swain re-iterated the church's belief that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, and said the court's ruling conflicted with God's teachings.

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"We recognize the rule of law in our country, to which we owe respect," Swain said. "We also recognize the law of God, to which we owe obedience."

The Sioux Falls service was organized before Friday's ruling. The church hosts a prayer service each year as part of a national event promoting religious liberty.

Fortnight for Freedom, organized by the United Conference of Catholic Bishops, started four years ago. At the time, businesses and churches were reacting to a contentious requirement in the Affordable Care Act requiring religious institutions to provide insurance for birth control.

The local diocese participates in the two-week event each year with a prayer service.

"It's grown as we've become more sensitive to some of the other threats to religious liberty and freedom of conscience," Swain said. "We just try to raise the issue to a higher profile every year."

The Catholic church opposes gay marriage. Swain said he agrees with the national conference's characterization of the Supreme Court decision as "harmful to the common good."

Service attendees were also upset by Friday's ruling.

Sioux Falls resident Jim Cannon, 66, said he had an unfavorable reaction when he learned about the decision.

"I think they made an unwise decision," Cannon said. "They invented a law."

Ken Scheafer, 67, called the ruling "ridiculous." He was disappointed by the narrow ruling.

Scheafer was raised Catholic.

"I want to uphold the Catholic teachings," Scheafer said.

Gay marriage violates "natural" laws, he said.

"The whole purpose of marriage is to raise children," Schaefer said.

The Court's decision only affects state governments, but Swain said it might leave lasting implications for the church.

"It's too early to really say for sure," Swain said. "But in my mind there are going to be some conflicts."

The service lasted about an hour, starting with silent prayer and recitation of the rosary. Swain's 15-minute sermon touched on religious freedom, but also directly addressed the Supreme Court decision.

Opposing the ruling isn't about taking a political stance, but about following the religious beliefs of the church, Swain said. Despite giving parishioners a grim reminder of the Catholic belief in a heaven and hell, Swain said there should be no judgment of the gay community.

"We do not judge anyone," Swain said. "Judgment is to be left to God."

For Cannon, the service was an opportunity to come together with fellow Catholics and show mutual support.

"Five guys got it wrong," Cannon said.