Madam, – The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Southwark, Dr Peter Smith, is scaremongering when he opposes the possibility of same sex civil partnerships taking place on religious premises in England and Wales (World News, February 24th). The proposed change in the law is just what it says; to allow the possibility of a religious (as well as civil) environment to those religious groups who wish to avail of it. Conservative denominations like the Roman Catholic Church will continue to be allowed legally to refuse to facilitate gay couples, just as they are allowed to refuse to ordain women.
Moreover, for Catholic Church aide Richard Kornicki to claim that Quakers, liberal Jews and Unitarians had been the only religious denominations to push for change is disingenuous. Anglican clergy and bishops have joined the call for change.
In Ireland, the pro-gay group within the Church of Ireland, Changing Attitude Ireland, has called for the extension of the new provision to Northern Ireland.
Furthermore, during the debate on the Civil Partnership Bill, Changing Attitude Ireland lobbied the Irish Government legally to permit civil partnerships to take place on religious premises in the Republic. This is in response to the demand from same-sex couples of faith, their families and supportive clergy. We have not asked that all churches be required to do so, but that those who are willing to do so be provided for.
We note that this seems to be the view expressed recently by the Archbishop of York, speaking, he said, as a democrat, as well as a church leader. It seems strange of other religious leaders to be so dismissive of this pastoral issue.
We are looking forward to the joyous occasion when a civil partnership will be registered at religious premises in Ireland. – Yours, etc,