Posted on 01/13/2005 12:24:55 PM PST by NYer
CALGARY, January 13, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In what is likely to be the most effective, and strongest letter ever issued by a Canadian Bishop in defence of traditional marriage, Calgary's Bishop Fred Henry is to release a pastoral letter this weekend which cuts to the heart of the debate.
Bishop Henry, who recently courageously stood up to threats by Revenue Canada agents over his pre-election comments about the Prime Minister's moral incoherence on abortion and same-sex unions, writes: "Since homosexuality, adultery, prostitution and pornography undermine the foundations of the family, the basis of society, then the State must use its coercive power to proscribe or curtail them in the interests of the common good."
The pastoral letter begins by emphasizing that the fight to preserve marriage in Canada is far from over. The bishop points out that Canada's Supreme Court justices did not say that Parliament "must redefine marriage to include same-sex couples." However, Bishop Henry also castigates the Court justices and all others who use the Constitution's Charter of Rights and Freedoms as their authority to justify the imposition of radical social changes on the nation.
Rather than shy away from the issue of homosexuality,(as have most other Christian leaders in the country), which is central to the debate, Bishop Henry confronts it without fear.
He teaches, with the authority of a Catholic shepherd, "Simply stated, a same sex union is not marriage. The idea that homosexuals can create same sex 'marriage' through their individual choice is false. All the packaging in the world doesn't alter substance".
The Calgary Bishop frankly explains that gay activists are using the marriage redefinition law to force acceptance of homosexuality on Canadian society. "Contrary to what is normally alleged,” he writes, “the primary goals in seeking legalization of same-sex 'marriage' are not the financial or health or inheritance or pension benefits associated with marriage", not "stability and exclusivity", not even "equality rights". Concluding, "The goal is to acquire a powerful psychological weapon to change society's rejection of homosexual activity and lifestyle into gradual, even if reluctant, acceptance."
Proving his point he notes that "18 months after same-sex 'marriage' arrived in Canada, more than 95% of adult Canadian gays have chosen to ignore their new legal right."
Bishop Henry emphasizes "It is the right and the responsibility of all citizens who are troubled by the proposal to reinvent the institution of marriage" to act on the issue. He states, "The denial of the social and legal status of marriage to same-sex couples is not discrimination. It is not something opposed to justice; on the contrary, justice requires such an opposition.”
He concludes the letter by encouraging Canadians to contact their members of parliament with a view to "registering your objection to the proposal to reinvent the institution of marriage."
LifeSiteNews.com is privileged to make available this MUST READ pastoral letter at
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/jan/050113a.html
See previous LifeSiteNews.com reports on the actions of Bishop Henry:
Bishop Challenges fundamental moral incoherence of Canadian Prime Minister Martin
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2004/jun/04060805.html
More Details Released in Revenue Canada Threat to Calgary Bishop Henry
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2004/oct/04102506.html
Calgary Bishop Says He Would Refuse Prime Minister Communion
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2003/aug/03080502.html
BISHOP HENRY REMAINS HEROICALLY FIRM ON CORRECTING JOE CLARK
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2001/mar/01030702.html
Wife and I vacation in Canada as often as anyplace. The masses we attend are as traditional (no, not Latin) as any in the states, even in Ontario. The cathedral in downtown Toronto has a different choir at each mass, even a beautiful boys choir that we have enjoyed.
Re: Latin masses, they're few and far between in our area.
The men's choir I sing with does nothing but Latin, but it is done within the Nova Ordo mass. Even then we find welcome with a minority of priests. Where we are welcome, the people love us.
Guess you missed this post ...
Sweden's Conviction of Pastor for Preaching on Homosexuality Violates International Law
Boy, this good Bishop better have a DEEP bunker!
He can get away with it in Alberta.
Ontario would be a different story.
In any case, I admire him for speaking out.
Go to the head of the class BUMP!
Bravo to this Bishop! But I wonder how Canada could possibly curtail homosexuality at this point?
Unfortunately, he's probably already targeted for adverse action. (As they say in the old movies, "There's a warrant out for your arrest.") If so, maybe he could flee to the U.S.?
A real bishop in Canada, Wow. WTG Bishop Henry!
Extra responsibilities at work will keep me away from my keyboard for the next week or so. I will only be able to ping the list early AM or late PM so little jeremiah will help fill the gap when possible.
Also, For those that are following the story and may have missed it, Michael Marcavage the leader of Repent America (the Christian group that was arrested in Philly) will appear on Good Morning America [ABC] this AM. So set your VCR if you are away at work.
If you want on/off the list let me and little jeremiah know.
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