Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Coptic Orhodox Diocese of Sidney
Sydney (Agenzia Fides) - According to the Sacred Scripture, "God created man and woman", and the only possible marriage "is that between a man and a woman". That is why marriage between people of the same sex is "unacceptable" for the Christian faith, and "is considered a sin. It is a sin". This is what Patriarch Tawadros told Australian journalists who, just after touching down in Sidney, asked him questions about the issue of same-sex marriage. The answers on the subject of conjugal unions between persons of the same sex were expressed by the Coptic Patriarch during a press conference, held at Sydney Airport on August 29, at the beginning of his 10-day pastoral tour in Australia during which he will also visit the cities of Canberra and Melbourne.
The debate on the so-called gay marriage is monopolizing the attention of national public opinion in view of the poll with which, from 12 September to 7 November, Australians may express their favor or opposition to the amendment of the legal regulations currently in force, a provision that would open the way for full legal recognition of marriages between people of the same sex. The poll was proposed with a postal questionnaire and is not legally binding for the government, unlike a referendum. (GV) (Agenzia Fides, 31/8/2017)
EUROPE/RUSSIA - Document of the Synodal Biblical-Theological Commission of the Moscow Patriarchate in response to the Declaration "Fiducia supplicans"
ASIA/IRAQ - Chaldean Patriarch Sako: Holy Week is "the time we need"
ASIA/CHINA - Marriage “without dowry” and birth support: Chinese Catholic communities face new challenges for families
ASIA/CHINA - The Catholic Women's Association of Saint Anne devotes a spiritual retreat to Christian marriage and ecclesial mission