On a momentous day for same-sex couples in the US state of Michigan, one Bishop set out to voice his displeasure at the “unfortunate and regrettable” ruling.

Ruling yesterday, US District Judge Bernard Friedman suggested that upholding a ban on same-sex marriage would be unfair to the children of gay couples, and said it was unconstitutional.

The case, brought by nurses April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse, had initially been focussed on the rights of same-sex couples to adopt eachother’s children, but was broadened to include same-sex marriage.

Bishop Paul J Bradley of the Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo released a statement saying: “With the stroke of a pen, the meaning of marriage, one of society’s most sacred institutions and the very foundation of the family, has been redefined in our state.”

He continued: “While our faith teaches us to treat individuals with same-sex attraction with respect, compassion and sensitivity, we also are called to defend the divine institution of marriage between one man and one woman.”

His full statement is available to view below: