Why is the Diocese of Portland using sophisticated bullying to gather signatures from their parishioners and raise money to support the campaign against same-sex marriage?

Why did Bishop Richard Malone recently (Sept. 26-27) "order" all clergy to replace the homily (sermon) with a pre-taped message from him?

I appreciate the priests who adjusted that request out of respect for the individuality of their parishioners. The congregations on whom the message was imposed had to sit through listening to the leader of the Diocese of Portland further state his case against same-sex marriage.

Tell me, will the Roman Catholic Church pay a huge price for taking an active role in politics as it spearheads a coalition that has launched a political issue-related campaign?

Doesn't that change the tax-exempt status of the Diocese? If suddenly the Roman Catholic Church has to pay taxes, that bottom line will be quite a windfall for the state of Maine. The bishop's mansion will bring in an additional $19,000 and change by itself.

Please consider voting "no" on Question 1. Voting booths are not confessionals, no hidden cameras, no one will know which box you elect to check.

Perhaps the question that you could ask yourself before you make your decision is not "What does your bishop want you to do?" but "What would God do?" Be true to yourself.

Joy Jones

Fairfield