Madrid, Spain, Nov 10, 2008 / 12:49 pm (CNA).- The Archbishop of Madrid, Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, said last week that a understanding of marriage “in which sexual differences do not play a role goes against not only Christian civilization but against practically all civilizations.”

In an interview on COPE Radio, the cardinal said a referendum on the issue of marriage between one man and one woman, such as the one that took place in California, before the introduction of homosexual unions in Spain “would have been good.”

Such a vote would have given Spaniards the chance to express their will about this important issue, he said.

He called on Spaniards to build up the family, as the country has the highest divorce rate in Europe, “which is an issue that is vital both for Spain and for Europe.”
“For a long time there has not been an awareness among political leaders, cultural leaders or those who influence public opinion that this is a problem with very serious short-term and long-term consequences,” he added.

“The first effect we are noticing is the demographic sinking of Europe,” the cardinal stated.

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