Bishop criticizes Mercy benefits

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau has expressed deep concern at the decision of a Catholic-based hospital group to extend benefits to same-sex spouses of employees.

The Mercy Health System, which has about 9,000 employees in Springfield, plans to offer benefits to legally married same-sex spouses beginning this spring.

The hospital said it made the decision because of recent changes in government regulations for same-sex couples.

But in a statement, Bishop James Johnston said Catholics should reject the view that “marriage is whatever the government says it is.”

— The Associated Press