Scottish Catholic Observer

A Sunday newspaper has reported that the Scottish Government were considering such a response to their consultation on same-sex ‘marriage’, which saw unprecedented opposition form religious groups.

John Deighan (above), the parliamentary officer of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said that such a response would demonstrate the government had ‘completely misunderstood’ the subject.

“There are two issues here,” he said. “Firstly that the Church’s position is based on its social teaching not its sacramental teaching. The well being of the family affects all of society not just Mass goers. Secondly, this issue is beyond the competence of politicians to deal with and they could be grossly over reaching themselves.

“The government cannot redefine marriage, an ancient and essential institution, any more than they can redefine the laws of gravity.”

A spokesman for the Scottish Government said no decision had yet been taken on the issue.

“All views and opinions are being carefully listened to and we will take time to properly consider all of the responses to the consultation,” he said. “The analysis of the responses will be published in the spring.”

The Scottish Government will now consider the more than 50,000 submissions to the consultation.

Mr Deighan said that the Church would continue to collaborate with the Scotland for Marriage campaign to keep the pressure on the Scottish Government not to legalise same-sex ‘marriage’ in the New Year.

“We’re going to keep pressing the government, keep pushing parishes to get involved,” he said. “I think there is also a need for a prayer campaign, for people to pray for wisdom for our politicians.”