From Mr Jonathan Longstaff
Sir, — From much of the press coverage, it is made to seem that those who support same-sex marriage clash with the Church of England. Actually, they are taking a stance against God himself.
It is not just that the Church of England would not be able to act as the state Church and conduct services on behalf of the state. If the Government redefines marriage, it is destroying the very basic foundation of the family, and therefore society. It will also be acting positively against the Queen, as she has promised to uphold the teaching of the Bible.
I do wish politicians would use their God-given intelligence to think deeply about such issues as this, and stop before they do something they will regret.
J. LONGSTAFF
4A The Green, Woodford Green
Essex IG8 0NF
From Dr Paul Brazier
Sir, — As with the Roman Catholic statement on gay marriage earlier this year, the Church of England’s statement misses the point (afraid of contradicting the multi-faith, multi-cultural liberal consensus?).
The revelation of Christ dictates that “God made them male and female . . . and the two will become one flesh. . . Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate” (Mark 10.7-9). This is an ontological reality, an actuality, which also contradicts the possibility of divorce, and applies to all humanity, regardless of religious egotism.
The idea of same-sex marriage is as absurd as two children dressing up and pretending to “marry”.
PAUL BRAZIER
64 Oxford Avenue
London SW20 8LT
From Mr John Ewington
Sir, — First, it should be realised that the Church does not have a monopoly on marriages.
Having said that, my wife and I have many gay friends, and most of these have entered into a civil partnership. None of them want to get married: they are quite satisfied with what they have, and most do not consider that marriage can be anything but a binding of two people, one male and one female.
Some people may like a blessing in church after the civil ceremony, but that is quite different from a marriage.
I wonder if we are getting worked up about ceremonies that in practice will be few and far between. Also, no priest will be forced into conducting such a service, although some inevitably will conduct them.
JOHN EWINGTON
Hillbrow, Godstone Road
Bletchingley
Surrey RH1 4PJ