Contact: Matt Smith, Catholic Advocate, 202-521-9828

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Catholic Advocate Vice President Matt Smith today issued the following statement regarding the panel discussion "Truth, Lies and Politics" being held this evening, Jan. 3, in Newton, Massachusetts at the Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center. The event has been promoted in the Boston Globe as "Truth, Lies and Politics, a panel discussion featuring [Congressman Barney] Frank, journalist Robert Kuttner, and Father J. Bryan Hehir [Archdiocese of Boston Secretary for Health Care and Social Services]. Author Leonard Fein moderates the program exploring the relationship (or lack thereof) between politicians and truth-telling."

"Father Hehir has an opportunity this evening to represent the teachings of our Church. The question is: will Father Hehir himself speak the Truth tonight?" asked Smith. "Will he speak the Truth to Congressman Frank about marriage being between one man and one woman? Or address Congressman Frank's 100% pro-abortion voting record? These are pressing issues of 'truth-telling' between politicians."

According to Freedom to Marry, a pro-same sex marriage organization: "We need more Barney Franks in public life, not fewer, and fortunately we will always have his indelible example to work from." From their own website, "Freedom to Marry is leading the campaign to overturn DOMA [Defense of Marriage Act] and is working across the country to win marriage in more states and educate the public about why marriage matters to same-sex couples and their families."

Smith added, "With Congressman Frank's retirement at the end of this year, will Father Hehir take the opportunity tonight to publicly speak the Truth that faithful Catholics do not need more representatives voting like Barney Frank in Washington if we are going to make progress on the settled issues of life and marriage?"