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Ottawa
- On November 9, Bruce J. Clemenger, president of The
Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, joined Most Rev. Marcel
Gervais, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Ottawa, Very Reverend
John Jillions, Dean Annunciation Orthodox Cathedral
(Ottawa), Orthodox Church of America, and Rev. Ken Bellous,
executive minister of the Baptist Convention of Ontario
and Quebec, in an historic presentation to MPs of a
joint Declaration
on Marriage (PDF) (French
version (PDF), signed
by over 40 denominational and religious leaders.
"As different faith communities,
we came together to present to Parliament and society
as a whole, our common view on marriage," said
Clemenger. "The Prime Minister, by promising to
hold a vote to re-open the debate on marriage, is giving
Canadians an opportunity to have sober, second-thought
on this issue. As communities of faith, we would welcome
an opportunity to participate in reasoned and constructive
public dialogue concerning the nature of marriage."
Gervais repeated what is essential
for the participating faith groups. "Our appeal
is that law and public policy recognize the essential
and unique importance of marriage as the union of one
man and one woman for the security, nurturing and well-being
of children. As religious leaders from diverse faith
communities, we find common ground in affirming that
the best interests of the child must prevail over adults'
exercise of their liberty."
"This Declaration on Marriage is
consistent with thousands of years of reflection and
practice," stated Bellous. "We seek justice
for all while valuing the importance of marriage."
The Declaration on Marriage is intended
to give guidance to Parliamentarians and to members
of society as Canadians continue to debate this important
issue.
The signatories represent a broad spectrum
of the faith communities from across Canada. And denominational
and religious leaders are continuing to sign the document
(additional signatories will be available in the web
version of this release). "Today, several others
have asked to be included," said Clemenger. "I
don't recall a time when such a broad spectrum of denominational
and religious leaders have signed a common declaration
such as this. It is very encouraging."
There are reports that the vote on the
motion to reopen the marriage debate could happen as
early as December.
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For more information contact:
Gail Reid
Director, Communications
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada
905 479 5885 x 227
reidg@efc-canada.com
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