(Vatican Radio) The Catholic bishops of England and Wales have reacted strongly to
a bill published by the British government on Friday regarding legalisation of marriage
for same-sex couples. Describing the proposed move as “deeply regrettable”, the
Church leaders say there is no electoral mandate for the Bill and they describe last
year’s consultation process on the issue as “shambolic”. Members of Parliament
are expected to have a first vote on the legislation next month, but the bishops say
they’ll be vigorously opposing the Bill, “alongside many people of all faiths and
none.” The Catholic Church’s spokesman on this issue is Archbishop Peter Smith
of Southwark, vice president of the bishops’ conference and chair of its department
for Christian Responsibility and Citizenship. He spoke with Emer McCarthy about the
bishops' concerns....
Listen:
Full statement
on behalf of the Bishops by Archbishop Peter Smith, Vice President of the Catholic
Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales:
It is deeply regrettable but
not unexpected that the Government has chosen to proceed with introducing a Bill to
change the definition of marriage. Alongside many people of all faiths and none we
will be vigorously opposing the Bill.
Marriage has an identity distinct from
any other relationship, no matter how much love or commitment may be involved. Marriage
is and always has been the union of one man and one woman, for love and mutual support,
open to procreation. Marriage has, over the centuries, been the enduring public recognition
of this commitment and it has rightly been recognised as unique and worthy of legal
protection. It furthers the common good of society because it promotes a unique relationship
which benefits children. The fundamental problem with the Marriage (Same Sex Couples)
Bill is that it will radically alter the meaning of marriage for everyone and therefore
undermine the common good. This is what is at stake. The Bill also raises very serious
questions especially about religious freedom and freedom of expression, the effect
on teaching in schools, and the work of chaplains and others with religious convictions
involved in the delivery of public services.
There is no electoral mandate
for this Bill and last year’s consultation process was shambolic. We welcome the
promise of a free vote for MPs, and hope the Bill will be defeated. We will be producing
a briefing on the Bill once we have studied it in detail with our legal advisers.