Religious Leaders Warn of Political Consequences for Failure to Protect Marriage

OTTAWA, July 18, 2003 (LifeSiteNews.com) – An interfaith coalition wrote a letter to Prime Minister Jean Chretien today regarding the draft legislation on the redefinition of marriage.  In the letter, Catholic, Hindu, Orthodox, and Muslim leaders warn “We are firmly committed not to support politicians and their parties who overlook their responsibilities for the moral good of society.”  A copy of the letter was also sent to all MPs.  The complete letter follows:  Dear Prime Minister:  We are deeply concerned and disappointed about your decision not to appeal the rulings of the Appeal Courts of Ontario and British Columbia regarding the redefinition of marriage. Redefining marriage to include same-sex partners devalues traditional marriage as the basis of the family and as an essential institution for the stability and well being of society.  Marriage as the lasting union of a man and woman to the exclusion of others pre-exists the State. Since it pre-exists the State and is fundamental for society, the institution of marriage cannot and should not be modified by a legislative act or a court of law.  Some same-sex partners have claimed that it is discriminatory not to give them access to marriage, but, in fact, it is the contrary which is true. Altering the definition of marriage to include same-sex partners discriminates against traditional marriage and deprives it of its social and legal recognition as a fundamental, unique and irreplaceable basis of society. The effects of this very serious issue need to be more widely studied by the public so that the social and economical consequences can be better understood.  We urge you to consider your draft legislation carefully and not to let political expediency redefine marriage. We are firmly committed not to support politicians and their parties who overlook their responsibilities for the moral good of society.  With prayerful good wishes, we remain;  Yours sincerely,  Signatories:  Most Reverend Marcel Gervais, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Ottawa Imam Dr. Gamal Solaiman, Ottawa Muslim Community Very Rev. Ghattas Hajal, Antiochian Orthodox Church Very Rev. Alex Michalopulos, Greek Orthodox Church Rt. Rev. Exarch Habib Kwaiter & Rev. François Beyrouti, Melkite Catholic Church Pandit (Dr.) Madhu R. Sahasrabudhe, Hindu Temple of Ottawa Carleton Abdul Rashid, Ottawa Muslim Community Fr. Shenoude Boutros, Coptic Orthodox Church Msgr. Raymond Hanna, Maronite Church Iain T. Benson, Barrister & Solicitor, Centre for Cultural Renewal   See related LifeSite coverage:  Halifax Archbishop Warns Canada Of Dangers Of Same-Sex Marriage https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2003/jul/03071703.html