AMERICA/CANADA - Debate on Redefining Marriage not Over: For Catholics, marriage is an issue intimately related to human nature which has been created male and female. Catholic teaching on this remains consistent and constant: marriage is the exclusive union of one man and one woman.

Ottawa (Agenzia Fides) - The Catholic Bishops of Canada, together with the members of the majority of faith communities and with many Canadians who have no particular religious affiliation, have voiced disappointment that the House of Commons has refused to reopen the debate on the redefinition of civil marriage and its impact on Canadian society, particularly the lives and rights of children. This was said in a statement dated 8 December signed by Archbishop Andre Gaumond Archbishop of Sherbrooke and president of the Catholic Bishops Conference and titled “Debate on Redefining Marriage Not Over”.
The Bishops say that as spiritual guides of the country they urge Catholics among other things to: encourage the special relationship of man and woman in marriage which remains the enduring basis of all society, and has proven to be the best support for the rights and needs of children; to urge federal politicians to undertake research and further consultations on the long-term impact of the redefinition of civil marriage on society and future generations; to collaborate with departments of education and school boards to ensure that classroom teaching and school resources respect the traditional understanding of marriage; to guard against further changes to the definition of civil marriage, including polygamy; to urge the federal government to safeguard faith groups that do not accept the redefinition of marriage from being penalized with respect to their charitable status.
The message concludes: “For Catholics, marriage is an issue intimately related to human nature which has been created male and female. Catholic teaching on this remains consistent and constant: marriage is the exclusive union of one man and one woman. It is essential for all Canadians to continue this debate, despite the recent decision of the House of Commons.”
A month ago 40 Canadian religious leaders of different religions issued a "Statement on Marriage " to be presented to parliament and society (see Fides 10/11/2006) appealing to “the members of the Parliament of Canada and to all Canadians to reconsider the decision to redefine marriage and to work together to re-establish in law and public policy the historic and universal definition of marriage which reflects its unique and essential nature”. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 12/12/2006; righe 23, parole 324)