Monday, June 22, marked the fifth anniversary of my installation as the ninth Bishop of Springfield in Illinois. Anytime we look back at a period of time in our lives, it is natural to look for highlights and accomplishments, as well as to take note of things that did not go as well as anticipated. Starting with the latter, it was a real disappointment that the civil unions act was passed and signed into law during my first year as Bishop in Springfield, resulting in the state of Illinois canceling our contract for foster care and adoption services because we would not place children with couples living contrary to the teachings of our faith. This misfortune was exacerbated in 2013 with the State attempting to redefine marriage to include same-sex couples. I say “attempt” because the State has no moral authority to change a natural institution created by God. It certainly has the legal power in civil law to coerce its definition, but that does not make it morally valid in the higher realm of supernatural realities.