WASHINGTON, DC - The U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage has released the final video in a series that highlights the unique meaning of marriage. Entitled "Made for the Common Good," the video features personal witnesses and policy experts discussing the importance of marriage between one man and one woman for children and for society at large.

"'Made for the Common Good' is designed to frame a conversation about marriage and its benefits for individual families and for our communities," said Bishop Conley of Lincoln, chairman of the Subcommittee. "We all need to consider the importance of marriage, the unique partnership of a man and a woman, as the foundation of the family, and the foundation for our society. When marriage is not understood, supported, or valued - society suffers."

"Made for the Common Good" is part of "Marriage: Unique for a Reason," an educational initiative that promotes and explains the unique gift of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The other videos in the series are "Made for Each Other," on sexual difference and complementarity, "Made for Life," on procreation, and "Made for Freedom," on the impact of the redefinition of marriage on religious freedom. A video in Spanish, entitled "El Matrimonio: hecho para el amore y la vida," covers all of these topics as well. Each video can serve as a discussion-starter and resource for clergy, catechists, teachers, and other leaders.

These resources are available online at www.marriageuniqueforareason.org and are for purchase through www.usccbpublishing.org. A "Made for the Common Good" study guide is forthcoming.

Bishop Conley was recently appointed as chairman of the Subcommittee by Archbishop Chaput, chairman of the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth. Bishop Conley succeeds Archbishop Cordileone upon the completion of his second term as Subcommittee chairman.