As same-sex marriage is welcomed in Illinois, the joyous celebration has also caused turmoil. Springfield bishop, Thomas Paprocki, was ready to combat the signing of the same-sex marriage bill. He announced that he would be holding an exorcism during the same time Governor Pat Quinn signed the bill.

Reportedly around 500 people showed up to partake in the exorcism. This ceremony seems very unnecessary for a seemingly fair and just action. Same-sex marriage has been debated for years, and now the time has come to take another step down the path to equality.

Why would people support an exorcism at a historically exciting time like this? The answer is simple: the Catholic Church. As centuries go by and times change, the Church stands firm in their beliefs. While many Catholics have adapted to the modern era, there are many others who still follow the strict, traditional beliefs set up thousands of years ago. Thomas Paprocki is a member of the Church who has not reformed his perceptions of the Bible’s teachings.

The Bible says that a man shall not lay with another man, but this only applies to reproduction, as it is impossible for two men or two women to procreate. This is just a scientific fact. In the olden days, marriage was primarily for reproduction, and today it is all about love and support. It almost seems as if the Church does not promote marriage for love, as they do not support the marriage of same-sex couples (who have waited decades to be united in this way).

While the Church held its exorcism, Catholics in support of the bill protested the events taking place inside. As a modern-day Catholic, I was happy to see other Catholics standing up against the Church’s firm stance. Since the day I was born, I was brought up in the Catholic Church. My grandfather was a deacon; my family goes to church every Sunday and on all holidays; I went to Catholic school for nine years, and one side of my family celebrates holidays in Poland’s traditional religious fashion. All of this being said, I was also brought up to accept all people because God made everyone to be unique and special in their own way.

I never agreed with the Church’s stance on this controversial topic because I have family members and friends who are homosexual. I love them and they deserve to be with their partners, both physically and in the eyes of the law. Every time I see the Church rejecting same-sex marriage, I pray that things will change completely in the near future. A lot of Catholics have already changed, but the leaders of the Church need to accept the new era as well. The congregation looks up to bishops, priests, cardinals, deacons and the Pope for guidance. It is time for these leaders to lead in the right direction, towards love, acceptance and equality. After all, the Bible says Jesus loved everyone. Homosexuals are no different than anyone else, so why are we still waiting for the church’s acceptance of this issue?