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February 1, 2012
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On May 8, 2012, North Carolina voters will have the opportunity to protect traditional marriage through an amendment to the state Constitution. There will be much discussion on this issue, some of it quite strong.
Because the debate will be intense, we want you to have as much factual information as possible about our Catholic teaching on marriage, to understand what the proposed marriage protection amendment will and will not say and do and to understand the moral responsibility you have in voting.
In the coming weeks, you will receive bulletin inserts and will be provided with links on the internet to view short videos we are producing to help you in your role as faithful citizens and to engage the debate in a manner that never diminishes the inherent dignity of any person.
You will find this information beginning in February in your bulletins, on our diocesan website (www.dioceseofraleigh.org; www.charlottediocese.org) and on the joint website we use to communicate important information about the legitimate role Catholics play in shaping public policy and law in our state (www.catholicvoicenc.org).
We ask you, no matter what position you currently hold about the definition of marriage, to become informed about our Church’s teaching, to be respectful in all discussions about this important issue and to vote. We pray that you will see our position as a principled one based on eternal and divine truth and that you will vote on May 8 FOR protecting traditional marriage in North Carolina.
Sincerely yours in Christ,

The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis
Bishop of Charlotte |

The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge
Bishop of Raleigh
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