On the Road with the Rector: Marriage Amendment

Living in the metro area of the Twin Cities provides incredible opportunities to participate in cultural and intellectual events. Several times a year, I invite members and friends of St. Stephen’s to join me in some of these activities that might strengthen us on our journey of faith together. This series, called “On the Road with the Rector,” is something that I always look forward to. The next event is a discussion on Thursday, October 13, about Minnesota’s proposed marriage amendment that would ban, constitutionally, same-gender marriage in the state. This is free, open to the public, and sponsored by the Murphy Institute for Catholic Thought, Law and Public Policy at the University of St. Thomas. It’s also the inaugural discussion in the Murphy Institute’s new series entitled “Hot Topics: Cool Talk,” which seeks to foster dialogue on current political issues in a context divorced from the heat of a political campaign. People of faith, I think, should model that kind of dialogue.

One side of the debate about the same-sex marriage amendment will be presented by Maggie Gallagher, president of the Institute for Marriage and Public Policy. The other side will be presented by Dale Carpenter, University of Minnesota professor of civil rights and civil liberties law. Moderating the conversation will be St. Stephen’s own Tom Berg, University of St. Thomas professor of law and public policy and Murphy Institute co-director emeritus.

Following this discussion, a reception will be held in the Board of Governor’s Room. So please register online to let them know that you will be attending.

Discussion of Minnesota’s Proposed Marriage Amendment
Thursday, October 13, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Room 235 (second floor)
University of St. Thomas School of Law
1000 LaSalle Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403