Archbishop Smith of Southwark wants to stress 'the importance of marriage and family life in building a stable and healthy society' and urge catholics to take on the British government's plans for same-sex marriage.
A holy sacrament versus recognition of union, this battle cannot end well, me thinks.
If a relationship is given formal recognition its chance of survival is better. Sex among singles both young and old seems the name of the game until wedlock and even then people cheat, prostitution thrives, divorce is frequent. King David we read had many concubines. Many popes had mistresses. By far most of the damage occurs in heterosexual relationships! Especially when children are involved: their parents are their greatest rolemodels. I would sooner have more effort in creating a stable and healthy relationship at any level!
While the Roman Church is busy defending the sacrament, namely a copywrite on the word 'marriage', they are turning their back to many, many people for whom Christ's words and deeds could bring comfort and hope and the courage to act responsibly in their own personal lives. It is a political fight that seems based on fear and outrage. Of course marriage is important in creating stability. Same-sex Catholic couples are not expecting a holy sacrament, i would hazard to declare, but rather equal recognition, formal recognition and respect for their efforts that can create a basis for stability.
The alternative?
Of that i've seen enough of over the years: pain, separation, stigmatisering, hate, substance abuse, suicide, et cetera. And that's just with the straight folks. Can't we just give 'marriage' a new name?
Oremus:
I pray for all those who enter into a relationship with love and determination to weather the storms, to delve into the meaning of caring and sharing, to be as one. I pray that society can find a stable place from which to support these people on their journey. I pray that by supporting love in a relationship society can reap the benefits as a whole. Amen.
Deo gratias.
A holy sacrament versus recognition of union, this battle cannot end well, me thinks.
If a relationship is given formal recognition its chance of survival is better. Sex among singles both young and old seems the name of the game until wedlock and even then people cheat, prostitution thrives, divorce is frequent. King David we read had many concubines. Many popes had mistresses. By far most of the damage occurs in heterosexual relationships! Especially when children are involved: their parents are their greatest rolemodels. I would sooner have more effort in creating a stable and healthy relationship at any level!
While the Roman Church is busy defending the sacrament, namely a copywrite on the word 'marriage', they are turning their back to many, many people for whom Christ's words and deeds could bring comfort and hope and the courage to act responsibly in their own personal lives. It is a political fight that seems based on fear and outrage. Of course marriage is important in creating stability. Same-sex Catholic couples are not expecting a holy sacrament, i would hazard to declare, but rather equal recognition, formal recognition and respect for their efforts that can create a basis for stability.
The alternative?
Of that i've seen enough of over the years: pain, separation, stigmatisering, hate, substance abuse, suicide, et cetera. And that's just with the straight folks. Can't we just give 'marriage' a new name?
Oremus:
I pray for all those who enter into a relationship with love and determination to weather the storms, to delve into the meaning of caring and sharing, to be as one. I pray that society can find a stable place from which to support these people on their journey. I pray that by supporting love in a relationship society can reap the benefits as a whole. Amen.
Deo gratias.
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