Call to action on marriage re-definition‏

 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,


We are writing with a request for your assistance. We have become aware of a proposed Bill in parliament to redefine marriage by amendment to the Marriage Act, broadening the definition of marriage from the union between a man and a woman to the union of "two people", ie. the legalisation of same sex marriages. If this bill is passed, some of the implications will be as follows:
- Priests will be obliged to perform homosexual marriage once law is passed and if they refuse, may face criminal prosecution
- Homosexual marriage will become the 'norm' and be taught in schools
- People (and followers of their faith) who speak out against it could be criminally prosecuted
- Once something becomes law, it becomes 'morally good' (principle of 'ipso facto')
- Even though we may disagree, the law says it's acceptable, that is, once the law changes, it changes the moral status of something
What can we do?
There is an online survey asking people to express their views and opinions on the two members' bills proposing to re-define the legal definition of marriage. An inquiry into the matter has been instigated and a committee will review the public's responses to gauge the views of the nation. Australian citizens have until the 20th of April to respond. You must have an email address to be able to fill in the online survey, but can also email your opinions and views or alternatively, send them to parliament house in Canberra via mail. We urge you to please fill in the survey using the following link:
www.aph.gov.au/marriage
To question 1 you respond (i) Disagree, (ii) Agree, (iii) Disagree 
To question 2 you respond (i) No and (ii) No
Please take a minute to complete the survey and let's pray that the law concerning marriage does not change. Please pass this email on to as many people as you can before the 20th of April. 
Yours in Christ,


Parish of St Paraskev