NZ Catholic Bishops have issued a pastoral letter to young people on marriage. They ask young people to consider carefully the wider implications of the proposed legislation to amend the definition of marriage that would allow same sex marriage. They say that some of the consequences will be unexpected and unintended. “This is no small matter, nor quibbling about words; this is an attempt to re-engineer the status and structure of family life in New Zealand and elsewhere.”
Fifty clergy and laity from the Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist and Quaker denominations have called on the bishops to reconsider their position.
“We think it’s time the Church recognises and encourages those in same-gender relationships who wish to pledge their love and fidelity to each other in the rite of marriage,” the group wrote back to the bishops.
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Additional reading- NZ Catholic Bishops statement on gay marriage
- Bishops damn gay marriage in letter
- Presbyterian group urges vote against same-sex marriage
- Traditional marriage deemed 'hate' at Dunedin City Council
- Minister says 80% of Pacific New Zealanders oppose same sax marriage
- Kevin Hague's letter to the Catholic Bishops
News category: New Zealand.