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| Archbishop Peter Smith (l) and Archbishop Vincent Nichols |
The Catholic archbishops have spoken clearly and those who believe in prayer should pray for them personally, and that they remain strong and prophetic. We must also pray that a coordinated lead is given by church leaders of all denominations - together with coordinated action in which everyone plays a vital part.
Please forward this post to others you know. There is no time to waste as the government increases in its arrogant determination to sweep marriage aside as a child-centred institution, to sweep the results of its own consultation aside (see the archbishops' statement below), without any electoral mandate to pursue their destructive legislation.
Read SPUC's comments on the government's statement today - and our briefing notes for lobbying - and write and urge others to write today to MPs.
Archbishop Nichols and Archbishop Smith said:
The meaning of marriage matters. It derives that meaning from its function as the foundation of the family. The union of one man and one woman for love and mutual support and open to procreation has over the centuries formed a stable unit we call the family. Marriage is the enduring public recognition of this commitment and has been rightly recognised as unique and worthy of legal protection.
The government has chosen to ignore the views of over 600,000 people who signed a petition calling for the current definition of marriage to stay, and we are told legislation to change the definition of marriage will now come to Parliament.
We strongly oppose such a Bill. Furthermore, the process by which this has happened can only be described as shambolic. There was no electoral mandate in any manifesto; no mention in the Queen’s speech; no serious or thorough consultation through a Green or White paper, and a constant shifting of policy before even the government response to the consultation was published today.
We urge everyone who cares about upholding the meaning of marriage in civil law to make their views known to their MPs clearly, calmly and forcefully, and without impugning the motives of others. We urge all parties to ensure their Members have a free vote. It is not too late to stop this Bill.
Comments on this blog? Email them to johnsmeaton@spuc.org.uk
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