A 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.