| Marriage Statement Dec. 2004 |
 Dear Brothers and Sisters, Advent is a joyous and beautiful season of the Church year. It is a time of expectation as we await the coming of Christ at Christmas. The birth of the Son of God at Bethlehem is an event so profound that we wonder in awe at a God who would become one of us and be born into a human family of Mary and Joseph. There is another event coming during these festive days, however, which will present serious legal and legislative challenges to our nation. This is the political movement to re-define marriage to include couples of the same sex. The implications of this change will be immense for our society. Questions regarding how our children will be educated, the raising of children and religious freedom in the civic arena, come to mind immediately. Coupled with these concerns is the proposed change in the traditional understanding of marriage from the beginning of human society - that marriage is a loving, life-giving partnership between a man and a woman, whose purpose is the good of the couple and the procreation and education of children. Because of this, marriage has always been seen as basic to society and family life and thus necessary for the survival of society. The question of marriage involves the common good of society and the rights of children. These two factors supersede perceived individual rights. The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that the definition of marriage is a matter for the federal legislature to determine. The bishops of Canada are urging Members of Parliament to have a full, informed and vigorous debate on this issue, and suggesting that there be a free vote so that each member will have the opportunity to vote according to their conscience. I encourage every Catholic in the Diocese of Victoria to make your views known to your federal representatives in the House of Commons and the Senate. It is extremely important that we exercise our democratic rights in determining what sort of society we want for ourselves and our children. It is vital that Canadians make the effort and give their time to have a wide-ranging dialogue on this matter. Let us pray to the Holy Family for the protection of marriage in Canada. Yours in Christ, +Richard Gagnon Bishop of Victoria |
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