A major new initiative to promote and defend marriage has been launched by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

The project, entitled Marriage: Unique for a Reason, has been put together by the USCCB’s Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage.

The initiative, designed to help educate Catholics on the meaning of marriage as the union of one man and one woman, consists of five videos, the first of which was launched last month.

The first video is called Made for Each Other and includes a Viewer’s Guide and Resource Booklet. It explores sexual difference and the complementarity between man and woman as husband and wife in marriage.

Later videos will treat the good of children, the good of society, what constitutes discrimination, religious liberty, and issues particular to the Hispanic community.

“The Committee’s efforts are grounded in the recognition that marriage, as the union of one man and one woman, is at the heart of a flourishing society and culture,” said Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, chairman of the Committee.

“The truth of marriage lies at the very core of a true concern for justice and the common good. Promoting marriage is crucial to the New Evangelization. These initial materials seek to provide a key starting point, a compass, for assisting Catholics and all people of good will in understanding why marriage is and can only be the union of one man and one woman.”

The DVD, guide, and booklet are intended for use by priests, deacons, catechists, teachers and other leaders. Potential uses include instruction for young adult groups, adult faith formation, and seminary and diaconate education.