Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Cardinal leads rethink on same-sex civil unions

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTeAFx2lC280dKc3WmMqf8pvoDqwAtlP9IvRAkTWNYgm_gL4xjPA leading cardinal has said that same-sex relationships should be respected and recognised in law amid signs of a change in church thinking on the subject.

Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, the Archbishop of Vienna, made the remarks in a lecture at the National Gallery evening titled "Christianity: Alien Presence or Foundation of the West?" on Monday.

"There can be same-sex partnerships and they need respect, and even civil law protection. Yes, but please keep it away from the notion of marriage. Because the definition of marriage is the stable union between a man and a woman open to life," Cardinal Schönborn said.

"We should be clear about terms and respect the needs of people living in a partnership together. They deserve respect," he added.

Two other cardinals, Colombian Ruben Salazar and Theodore McCarrick have recently suggested the Church should not oppose same-sex civil unions.