THE
P RTAL
April 2012
Page 9
The Ordinary’s Page
Monsignor John Broadhurst writes
It was
reassuring to have to read a pastoral letter from the Archbishops on the subject of Christian
marriage. It reminded me of a incident some years ago when Cardinal Hume came out quite strongly on the
subject of abortion.
There are those who say Christian leaders should not
be involved in political issues. I actually agree with that
but the suggestion that issues like marriage, aborti on
or euthanasia are not the concern of the faithful is
manifest nonsense. They are moral Issues.
a private world
The secularist would like to confine all faith
communities to a private world of worship and
community. They fail to see that the Christian faith
is about God and human dignity. It is impossible to
have a faith rooted in the Old and New Testaments
without having a distinctive view on human life which
must affect many contemporary moral issues. In our
contemporary world we are witnessing a serious
attempt to undermine and marginalise Christianity.
legislate against discrimination and in favour of equal
treatment. This should not and does not affect the issue
of marriage. What our Archbishops could not say, but
perhaps I can, is that marriage in English Law is based
on the teaching of the Bible and enshrined in the Book
of Common Prayer.
For 300 years that was the only marriage service
available for any citizen of this country – whatever
their faith or church. Catholic ancestors of mine were
married in “the parish church” at the beginning of the
19 th century.
The Preface of that service has quite clear teaching
on the nature of Marriage. Whatever provisions the
State makes, it tampers with institutions like marriage
to the detriment of all.
Often equality between the faiths is used as an excuse
to discriminate against Christians. We find ourselves in dangerous novelties
The problem for all of us is that many so called
a peculiar world where those of many faiths are quite
free to wear symbols of their religion and practise, but political issues affect us and diminish the value of
human life, our communal and social relations and the
Christians find they can’t even use the Cross.
stability of our society. Such changes would do much to
quite clear teaching
destroy the Judeo-Christian basis of our Law and life.
on the nature of Marriage
Sometimes these attacks are justified on grounds of
The debate about marriage and equal opportunities religious equality but I cannot see Muslims, Jews, Sikhs
is quite a difficult one. The State is quite at liberty to or Hindus supporting any of these dangerous novelties.
The Ordinary’s Diary
for April 2012
The Right Revd Monsignor Keith Newton
6 Mellish Gardens, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 0BH
Tel: 020 8505 7259 Fax: 020 8504 3349
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11.00
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19.30
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15.00
20.30
Palm Sunday Liturgy, Holy Ghost Balham
Chrism Mass, St James’ Spanish Place
Mass and Reception, The Assumption Harlow
Mass and Reception, St Anne Darlington
Liturgy, St John Vianney, Clayhall
Liturgy, St John the Baptist, Ilford
Easter Vigil, St Mark’s Hemel Hempstead
Email: [email protected]
8 11.00 Easter Day Mass, Precious Blood Borough
17 11.00 Ordinary’s Council
14.00 Governing Council
19 11.15 Finance Council
21 10.00 Ordination, St Patrick’s Soho
23-26
Bishop’s Conference, Leeds
29 10 & 11.30 Mass, St John the Evangelist Mongeham