The leaders have signed a joint statement calling for the Act to remain unchanged.
There are four bills to change the definition of marriage before the Parliament, two of which are expected to be voted on in coming weeks.
“Marriage is the lifelong commitment and faithful union of one man and one woman. As such, marriage is the natural basis of the family because it secures the relationship between biological parents and their children,” The statement says.
Joint Statement on the Significance of Marriage
Marriage is the lifelong commitment and faithful union of one man and one woman. As such, marriage is the natural basis of the family because it secures the relationship between biological parents and their children.
As Christian leaders representing different denominations or churches, we join together and affirm our shared commitment to promote and protect marriage. We honour the unique love between husbands and wives; the vital place of fathers and mothers in the life of children; and the corresponding ideal for all children to know the love and role modelling of a father and mother.
Marriage thus defined is a great good in itself, and it also serves the good of others and society, as it has done for thousands of years. The preservation of the unique meaning of marriage is therefore not a special or limited interest, but serves the common good, particularly the good of children.
We call on Parliament to:
· protect this definition of marriage in Australian law, and
· not change the meaning of marriage by adding to it different kinds of relationships.
