Gay marriage opponents to host public meetings

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland announced today that it will hold a series of events, entitled "Defending Marriage in the Public Square," around Maine this fall. Nine such meetings are scheduled statewide, in places like Caribou, Scarborough, Waterville, and York.

In addition to local parish staff and representatives from the Diocesan Office for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, four out-of-state guest speakers will address the meetings. I found out a little bit more about them.

• First, we have Dr. Angela Franks and Dr. David Franks, of Massachusetts, who "examine the sanctity of marriage, chastity, natural family planning and related topics" on their CatholicTV.com television program, "The Future Depends On Love." (The Franks will speak in Camden, Old Town, and Waterville.)
• Another married couple, Kari and Stephen Colella, who both work for the Archdiocese of Boston, will address groups in Caribou. The Colellas also host "Building Your Catholic Marriage" workshops. Watch the Franks interview Stephen Colella here:
• Providence College professor Dr. Paul Gondreau is an expert in the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas, who is often cited in religious arguments against not only same-sex marriage but homosexuality in general. He is working on a Thomistic account of the "meaning and purpose of sexuality."