Minnesota Catholic leaders issued statements on Wednesday expressing deep disappointment over the defeat of the proposed marriage amendment.
The Minnesota Catholic Conference, the public policy arm of Catholic bishops in Minnesota, said that despite the setback, "our efforts to promote and defend the cornerstone social institution of marriage will continue."
Here's the rest of the statement:
Minnesota Catholic bishops have been instrumental supporters in the campaign to pass the amendment, which sought to change the state's constitution to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman -- essentially banning same-sex marriage.
Key among the amendment's religious backers is Twin Cities Archbishop John Nienstedt. The archdiocese dedicated over $650,000 to the cause of trying to pass the amendment.
The archdiocese posted a statement on its website Wednesday, lamenting the outcome of the amendment:
Meanwhile, the Rev. Mike Tegeder, a frequent critic of Nienstedt, who serves as pastor at two Minneapolis churches, submitted an e-mailed letter to The Star Tribune on Wednesday calling for Nienstedt to vacate his post.
Jim Accurso, a spokesman with the archdiocese, said Wednesday afternoon the archdiocese was not aware of the letter but would take a look at it and possibly respond to it.
