The head of the Roman Cath0lic Diocese of Brooklyn has fired another shot in the culture wars this morning with a statement urging all Catholic schools in the parish to “refuse any distinction or honors bestowed upon them this year by the governor or any member of the legislature who voted to support” same sex marriage legislation.

Adds Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio:

Today, Governor Andrew Cuomo and the state legislature have deconstructed the single most important institution in human history. Republicans and Democrats alike succumbed to powerful political elites and have passed legislation that will undermine our families and as a consequence, our society.

With this vote, Governor Cuomo has opened a new front in the culture wars that are tearing at the fabric of our nation. At a time when so many New Yorkers are struggling to stay in their homes and find jobs, we should be working together to solve these problems. However, the politicians have curried favor with wealthy donors who are proponents of a divisive agenda in order to advance their own careers and futures.

What is needed in our state is leadership and not political gamesmanship.

Cuomo is a practicing Catholic, but this is not the first time that he has run afoul of the Church’s teachings. Earlier this year, a consultant to the Vatican said that Cuomo should refrain from taking communion because his unmarried co-habitation with Food Network star Sandra Lee means he is “publicly acting in violation of a fundamental moral expectation of the Church.”

Bishop DiMarzio, whose diocese covers Queens as well, also calls on local pastors and Catholic school principals to ”not invite any state legislator to speak or be present at any parish or school celebration.”

“The above request is intended as a protest of the corrupt political process in New York State,” he said. “More than half of all New Yorkers oppose this legislation. Yet, the governor and the state legislature have demonized people of faith, whether they be Muslims, Jews, or Christians, and identified them as bigots and prejudiced, and voted in favor of same-sex ‘marriage.’ It is mystifying that this bill would be passed on the last day of an extended session under the cover of darkness…Republicans and Democrats equally share responsibility for this ruinous legislation and we as Catholics should hold all accountable for their actions.”

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