Catholics should play role in same-sex marriage debate: bishop

The bishop of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie has called for Catholics to play an active role in the same-ex marriage debate.

Further information is included in the following news release issued today by the diocese:


(Sudbury, ON)
The Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie will be reminding its parishioners that the issue of the definition of marriage is to be debated in the House of Commons in the coming months.

In its opinion on the marriage reference, the Supreme Court of Canada indicated that it is within the competence of the Commons to enact legislation on this issue.

In a letter which addressed to parishioners, Bishop Plouffe calls on all Catholics “to play an active role in the maintenance of the traditional interpretation of marriage, as the union of one man and one woman. I continue to believe” says the Bishop, “that Parliament could very well leave the definition of marriage unchanged, while respecting the legitimate needs of persons who live other types of interpersonal relationships …as citizens of Canada, we have a duty and a right in the democratic process, to make our voices heard in this debate before it is too late. These are momentous and far-reaching decisions.”

The diocese is calling on all Catholics to make their views on this subject known to their local elected Members of Parliament.

Finally, Bishop Plouffe invites all Catholics to pray that our Members of Parliament may be guided to make wise decisions which will impact on future generations, and on the good of all.