Bishop objects to Notre Dame gay marriage policy

Fort Wayne, Ind. (AP) — A northern Indiana Catholic bishop says the University of Notre Dame should have waited before deciding to extend benefits to same-sex spouses after federal court rulings legalized gay marriage in the state.

Fort Wayne-South Bend Bishop Kevin Rhoades writes in the diocese newspaper that he wants to see more study of what religious institutions are required to do with changes to marriage laws. Rhoades says he believes it's important for Notre Dame to affirm Catholic teaching about marriage.

Notre Dame spokesman Paul Browne tells The Journal Gazette that university officials believe the new policy doesn't go against church teachings by providing the same benefits to all legally married couples.

The bishop doesn't oversee Notre Dame, which is governed by an independent board of trustees.

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Information from: The Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN.

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The Gayly – October 17, 2014 @ 10:05am