Buenos Aires, Argentina, Apr 24, 2010 / 09:30 am
The bishops of Argentina issued a statement during their 99th plenary assembly this week which rejects current political pressure to equate homosexual unions with marriage, and explains why the bill currently under discussion should not be approved.
In their statement, “On the unalterable good of Marriage and the Family," the prelates explain that dialogue does not seek to "imply contempt nor discrimination," but only seeks to clarify the position of the Church. They explain that humans are created “in the image of God,” an image that “reflects not only the individual person, but also the reciprocity and complimentary nature of a union between a man and a woman." They go on to note that marriage is understood as "the common dignity, and the indissoluble unity of a man and a woman."
"Marriage is the state of life which creates a unique communion of two people who accept and respect the full exercise of the human sexual function. Marriage is understood as two people who are naturally distinct, complimentary, and reciprocal of each other. In such a union, people will be able to appreciate the wonderful gift of the communion’s fruitfulness."
Marriage, they continue, "is a gift of creation. People of the same sex cannot appreciate this reality. It is not just any union between people; it has specific and unforfeitable characteristics. These characteristics allow marriage to be a solid base for the family and society in general. This fact has been recognized historically by the great cultures of the world. And it is now found in international treaties that exist in our constitution and is understood by our people today."