08:28

The Catholic bishop of Parramatta, Vincent Long Van Nguyen, has written a pastoral letter encouraging his flock to “exercise their consciences” in the upcoming postal survey, but making a crucial distinction between the religious and civil institution which appears to give the green light for people to vote yes.





Van Nguyen:



“It is important to remember from the very outset that the postal survey is about whether or not Australians want the legal definition of civil marriage changed to include same-sex couples. It is not a referendum on sacramental marriage as understood by the Catholic Church. “Many years ago, divorce was legalised in Australia but this change did not alter the law of the Church. Therefore, whatever the outcome of the survey or the eventual legislation by the government, the Church will continue to hold that marriage is a natural institution established by God to be a permanent union between one man and one woman, directed both to mutual companionship and to the formation of a family in which children are born and nurtured. “For many Catholics, the issue of same-sex marriage is not simply theoretical but deeply personal. These may be same-sex attracted people themselves or that may be the case with their relatives and friends. In such cases, they are torn between their love for the Church and their love for their same-sex attracted child, grandchild, sibling, cousin, friend or neighbour.



The kicker is the suggestion that the vote “should not be a simple answer yes or no”.

“It should be an opportunity for us to witness to our deep commitment to the ideal of Christian marriage. But it should also be an opportunity for us to listen to what the Spirit is saying through the signs of the times.”





“Sign of the times” is somewhat cryptic ... is the suggestion simply: it’s time?