Catholic Cardinal: Church will relax its approach to civil marriages for gay couples

[Fearless]

Last edited Sun Apr 1, 2012, 12:47 PM - Edit history (1)

In a sermon later this Sunday, leaked to PinkNews.co.uk, he is expected to say: “Over recent weeks there has been much discussion of so-called ‘gay marriage,’ proposed by the both Scottish and British Governments under the guise of civil marriage equality. My attitude towards homosexuals and homosexuality remains firmly entrenched in the Catholic teaching, with which you are all familiar. We in the Church opposed the introduction of civil partnerships for gay couples even as some amongst us now say that we have supported them for many years.”
...

He will also say: “Having thought long and hard and having read the British Government’s consultation document I understand that all the Government is really proposing to do is to change the word partnership to marriage and not much else. And the document is clear that these civil marriages will not be conducted in religious institutions. Given the difference between civil marriages and religious marriages, and the government’s proposals clearly favouring the first, I have to admit that what we say will not ultimately matter. What right do we have to intervene in a civil law especially as Britain isn’t even a Catholic country?

He adds: “I have also been talking to my colleagues in Catholic Spain and Portugal that have gay marriage and they have told me that given the economic mess they’re in, the extra boost to the economy from gay couples getting married is actually seen as manna from heaven to many a wedding planner, caterer and department store.”

A Downing Street source told PinkNews.co.uk: “We are glad that the message is finally getting through to people that civil marriage equality does not encroach upon the Church. This sermon shows that miracles can happen, especially on a Sunday.”


http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2012/04/01/cardinal-church-will-relax-its-approach-to-civil-marriages-for-gay-couples/

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Hopefully the rest catch on.

Oh, and April Fools.

[idwiyo]

1. This is Human Rights matter and should not be even open for discussion.

Dear cardinal got it exactly right - it doesn't matter what his (or any other religious org) thinks.
My only regret that our government was too chicken shit to do it right the first time.

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. Sadly, this rethink is restricted to one day only

That is, the first day of April.

In reality, the archbishop is still just as bigoted and dogmatic as ever.

[MNBrewer]

3. I think you're right. believe NOTHING you hear on April 1.

[muriel_volestrangler]

4. There's no doubt

The article author's name is an anagram of 'April fool'.

[MNBrewer]

5. and for a Roman Catholic bishop to say he has no right to stand in the way of secular policy

is too far beyond belief.

[idwiyo]

6. Yeah, forgot what date it was today. Shame on me.

Can't wait for EU Court of Human Rights to kick the shit out of our government for breach of Human Rights on this issue (Articles 8, 12 and 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights),
see here: http://equallove.org.uk/2011/01/equal-love-case-goes-to-european-court/


edit: link was not showing properly, reposted