Same-Sex Marriage Is a Threat to Religious Freedom

Melbourne Archbishop Denis Hart Say Same-Sex Marriage Is a Threat to Religious Freedom

Same-Sex Marriage Is a Threat to Religious Freedom
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Only heterosexual marriage can keep the concept of family alive

Melbourne Archbishop Denis Hart, has asked Catholics to vote “no” in a survey concerning same-sex marriage[/tweetit]. In his pastoral communication, he has asked people to participate in the Marriage Law Postal Survey, making sure that the religious viewpoint is being heard on this vital issue. Voting no in this survey, he wrote in the letter, will ensure the future of Australian society to stay healthy. This letter is not one of its kind. Similar letters were penned by heads of Adelaide and Perth archdioceses as well. As per the 2016 census, Australia is home to 5.2 million Catholics.

Melbourne Archbishop Denis Hart Say Same-Sex Marriage Is a Threat to Religious Freedom[/tweetthis]

Australians will be asked from September 12 to respond to a specific letter sent by the Federal Government. It asks the question of whether the law should be edited to permit the marriage of same-sex couples. It is to be noted that the Australian Government does not need any public vote to vary the law. An opinion poll conducted by an international media house showed that a majority of Australians support marriage between same sexes. The results are consistent with earlier surveys.

In his letter, archbishop Hart wrote that the Catholic Church “teaches that marriage is a natural institution established by God to be a permanent union between one man and one woman, intended towards the formation of a family in which children are born and nurtured.” The Melbourne head of the Catholic Church added, “Any legislation that changes this definition of marriage recognized by all the major cultures of the world demands careful consideration by all Australians.”

The archbishop said that although human rights are vital, the responsibilities put on humans are important as well. He pointed out that present day Australians are responsible for impacts due to decisions made now on the future generations.

In an interview, archbishop Hart said that the Catholic Church's 180,000 of employees were anticipated to fully uphold the teachings of the church. He went on further to say that the church schools and parishes exist to impart a Catholic concept of marriage. In a separate letter, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costello said the present marriage definition is best for creating and maintaining families.

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