This report about the tragic divisions in the Conservative party over Gay Marriage has some comments that suggest there is no way we can put forward a convincing opposing case from orthodox Christianity. Many people, perhaps young people, who have no particular religious affiliation, along with many Anglican liberals are arguing that Gay Marriage is a "right". Of course, they build this on the traditional teaching that Marriage is a human right. Because homosexual relations are now considered "normal", they must be considered "equal" and so the orthodox Christian argument is seen as "bigoted" and homophobic. There seems to be little room for dialogue in this especially since some Christians are now publicly stating that they believe in Gay Marriage. Numbered among these, interestingly, are some women priests.
We know that whatever happens to the Conservative vote, Labour and Lib Dem MPs will vote in favour. This means that Gay Marriage will eventually become law. Then we will see just how far the U.K. Government can resist the European Court when cases are taken there alleging discrimination in Catholic churches. The so-called "opt-out" for religious bodies will be meaningless. All such clauses come to nothing in the end because on the street, in reality and behind closed doors, no one takes them seriously. We can therefore expect religious persecution to arrive in a few years. Personally I am ready.
Dear Fr Abberton,
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, once again, you are spot on with this observation.
When these changes take place, the actual implication for the Church will be enormous and will likely bankrupt it with the cost of defending our Faith in the courts.
Have we not already 'sold' our birthright by accommodating other changes in the past which has gradually eroded the heritage our ancestors struggled to build up and sustain?
When Catholic bodies also lose their ‘Tax’ benefits in the future when they do not toe the line, there will surely be weeping and gnashing of teeth across the country. Unless, of course, we succumb to the demands of this increasingly totalitarian type of authority who seek to impose their will on the people.
The renewed need for men and women with the integrity of the likes of Thomas More, John Fisher and Margaret Clitherow will soon become self-evident as time passes.
We cannot afford to believe in our political leaders any more and all we can do is to trust the words of our Blessed Lord when He says that he has won the victory and overcome the world. Trust in Him.
Kevin
(Welcome back)
Dear friend,
ReplyDeleteROSARY TOMORROW, 5th February, 12 am GMT, FOR THE DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE
Tomorrow (5th of February), the first bill proposing same-sex marriage is going to be heard in British Parliament. I ask you to join me, and many others, in the praying of a rosary tomorrow to ask for Our Lady's intercession in this. We are aiming to pray together at 12 am, noon (GMT) tomorrow. Pray whatever you are able to do - a decade, a Mystery, the full Rosary, even a short prayer to Our Lady -to beg for her help.
It is our hope that if Catholics pray together for this, we can gain Our Lady's intercession in this dark hour.
Please pass the message on any way you can! Email, blog, text, social media. 12 am tomorrow - a worldwide rosary for the defense of marriage.
God Bless.
Maria Kolbe
It will soon be time for the Church to refuse to perform marriages on behalf of the state. We shall have to adopt a similar system to that which happens in France, where a celebration at the Register Office is followed by the Sacrament of Matrimony in church. Let's make no mistake about this - it's a diabolical liberty by a government which sups with the evil one. It will at best end in tears and at worst..I dread to think.
ReplyDelete