2013-01-18 16:38:27

Over 1,000 English priests write letter defending marriage


January 18, 2013 - More than one thousand priests signed a letter to a British daily urging local lawmakers “not to be afraid to reject” a proposed measure which would allow for same-sex “marriage” in the country. “Legislation for same-sex marriage, should it be enacted, will have many legal consequences,” warned the letter, which was published Jan. 12. The move would “severely restrict” Catholics' ability to “teach the truth about marriage in their schools, charitable institutions or places of worship,” the priests said.
In December the Conservative government announced plans to introduce legislation allowing for same-sex “marriage” before 2015. Prime minister, David Cameron said religious groups would be allowed but not compelled to perform marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples. The 1,067 signatories represent a quarter of the priests of England and Wales. They include eight bishops, as well as the ordinary of the group for Anglican converts and four Benedictine abbots.
The letter opens by remembering that Catholics were persecuted for centuries in Britain, and only in recent times have been able to “be members of the professions and participate fully in the life” of the country. Until 1829 Catholics in Britain were prohibited from entering some professions, and the Church in England was left without bishops from the time of Elizabeth I until 1850. Professing Catholicism remains the only faith which would bar a member of the Royal Family from becoming the reigning monarch. “It is meaningless to argue that Catholics and others may still teach their beliefs about marriage in schools and other arenas if they are also expected to uphold the opposite view at the same time,” they wrote.








All the contents on this site are copyrighted ©.