Christian Leaders in Australia Urge Parliament to Uphold Traditional Marriage
Prominent religious and public leaders in Australia have urged their government to protect the sanctity of marriage when the issue is voted on in parliament.
The statement, published by Cardinal George Pell of Sydney along with other notable Christian leaders of Australia, has urged that the foundation of human society be protected.
"As Christian leaders representing different denominations or churches, we join together and affirm our shared commitment to promote and protect marriage," the statement said.
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"We honor the unique love between husbands and wives; the vital place of fathers and mothers in the life of children; and the corresponding ideal for all children to know the love and role modeling of a father and mother," the statement continued.
Cardinal Pell and nearly two dozen religious leaders from across denominations- including figures from Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox backgrounds- signed the statement, as did over 260 more Christian pastors throughout Australia, according to International News Magazine reports.
The statement said marriage is the "natural basis of the family" and its preservation as a unique institution "serves the common good, particularly the good of children."
The religious leaders' statement asked Parliament to protect marriage in Australia law and not change its meaning "by adding to it different kinds of relationships."
Many gay advocates have said that passing a gay marriage law would end discrimination but not everyone agrees that is the case.
"We continually are told that the legalization of same-sex marriage would end perceived discrimination against same-sex couples who are currently not able to marry under federal government law," Rev. David Jones told by The Herald Sun.
"Christians oppose same-sex marriage because the Bible, the word of the God who created male and female and also created marriage," he added.
A referendum to redefine marriage in New Zealand recently passed the first of three required parliamentary readings.
