St. Volodymyr's Parish

17 June, 2012

Legislating for same-sex marriage will change the meaning of marriage for everyone and will radically reshape cultural and social structures, according to a pastoral letter in defence of marriage issued by the Sydney Archdiocese this week.

It has been prompted by ongoing debate on same-sex marriage, and outlines the Church’s case for marriage, including that same-sex marriage will not remove discrimination and injustice but cause them.

"Marriage is more than having one’s love for another legally recognised,” states the letter from the Archbishop of Sydney, George Cardinal Pell and the auxiliary bishops, Bishops Julian Porteous, Terry Brady and Peter Comensoli.

"It has been protected and supported by the law because governments have recognised its contribution to the good of society.

"The family based on strong, happy marriages plays a unique role in generating children and providing the best environment in which children can be nurtured and educated. It helps to ensure the future and wellbeing of society.”

Parishioners were to receive the letter, Marriage: One Man and One Woman in a Covenant of Love and Life, on Sunday.

Bishop Porteous said he hoped parish priests would read the letter on Sunday; however, a copy will be available for every parishioner.

"We have also printed special bookmarks for parishioners, which have eight frequently asked questions about marriage,” he said.

"Questions like ‘Isn’t the right to marry a basic human right?’ and ‘Isn’t this discrimination against same-sex couples?’ and ‘Don’t same-sex couples have children and make good parents?’

"All of these issues are being raised and discussed and have resulted in some confusion in our community.”

Bishop Porteous hoped the letter and bookmark will "help people understand the Church’s teaching, and why”.

"Marriage is an institution between a man and a woman uniquely designed by God, as a source for their own happiness and as the means for the generation and formation of children,” he said.

"I believe this pastoral letter will explain why and how the Catholic community upholds marriage and supports and defends those who are committed to this life-giving and ancient foundation of society.”

The Catholic Weekly