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.