‘Marriage is important - Reflect before you change it’

Statement of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference

Within weeks the people of Ireland will be asked to vote in a referendum that will change the meaning of marriage in the Constitution of Ireland. Marriage is of fundamental importance for children, mothers and fathers, and society - all of us need to reflect deeply before changing it. We ask the people of Ireland to consider very carefully the profound implications which this constitutional amendment would have on the family environment and on our understanding of parenthood.

We respect the views of people who think differently to us, trusting that our sincerely held views, grounded in faith, will also be heard and respected. and Archbishop speaking to the media in We come to this debate believing that the union of a man and a woman in marriage, open to the Maynooth about the Bishops’ Conference procreation of children, is a gift from God who created statement on marriage. us 'male and female'. Reason also points to the truth about human sexuality that makes the relationship between a man and a woman unique. Mothers and fathers bring different, yet complementary gifts and strengths into a child's life. We cannot support an amendment to the Constitution which redefines marriage and effectively places the union of two men, or two women, on a par with the marriage relationship between a husband and wife which is open to the procreation of children.

We are concerned that, should the amendment be passed, it will become increasingly difficult to speak any longer in public about marriage as being between a man and a woman. What will we be expected to teach children in school about marriage? Will those who sincerely continue to believe that marriage is between a man and a woman be forced to act against their conscience? Can a way be found to protect the civil rights of gay people without undermining the fundamental meaning of marriage as commonly understood across cultures, faiths and down the ages? Already, in The Children and Family Relationships Bill, it is proposed to remove mention of mothers and fathers from a whole raft of previous legislation. We encourage everyone to think about these issues and to vote on May 22nd. The effects of this proposed amendment will be far-reaching for this and for future generations. We say to all voters: Marriage is important - Reflect before you change it.

We invite people of faith to bring this decision to prayer. In the coming weeks, and particularly in May, the month of Mary, we call for prayer for Marriage and the Family.

Statement from the Spring General Meeting of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference For more information see www.catholicbishops.ie 10 March 2015 Issue 2 Sunday 22 March 2015 The Meaning of Marriage Newsletter

Bishops’ Pastoral Statement The Meaning of Marriage The Catholic Bishops’ pastoral statement The Meaning of Marriage advises the faithful that “to redefine the nature of marriage would be to undermine it as the fundamental building block of our society. The Church seeks with others to reaffirm … that marriage should be reserved for the unique and complementary relationship between a woman and a man from which the generation and upbringing of children is uniquely possible.” Please read The Meaning of Marriage which is available in English, Irish and Polish on www.catholicbishops.ie.

God’s plan for Our Marriage is important - Reflect before you change it Marriage and Family Marriage is important, and we should reflect deeply about it especially between As we answer God’s call now and May. The effects of the proposed amendment will be far-reaching for this in our vocation in the and for future generations. We should consider these questions: Sacrament of Marriage to should the amendment be passed, will it become increasingly difficult to speak follow Christ and to serve in public about marriage as being between a man and a woman? the kingdom of God in what will we be expected to teach children in school about marriage? our married life, we ask, in and through the will those who sincerely continue to believe that marriage is between a man concreteness of events, and a woman be forced to act against their conscience? problems, difficulties and can a way be found to protect the civil rights of people circumstances of everyday who are gay without undermining the fundamental life, that God will come to meaning of marriage as commonly understood across us, guiding us and cultures, faiths and down the ages? enlightening us as we share Christ’s love with one another, in our family Protecting marriage is a matter of justice life, at work, in our Marriage means the union of a man and woman. A husband is a man who has a wife; neighbourhood, in our a wife is a woman who has a husband. A same sex couple cannot be husband and wife. contributions to society A same sex couple cannot procreate a child through the sexual act which expresses and in the life and married love. Often those who call for legal recognition of same sex marriage see it as worship of our parish. a matter of fairness, equality and civil rights. The Church holds that basic human rights must be afforded to all people. This can and should be done without sacrificing Inspired by Saint John the institution of marriage and family and the fundamental role they play in society. Paul II, Familiaris This is not about denying civil rights but protecting and upholding the meaning of Consortio (51) from marriage. The Family Prayer It is a grave injustice if the State ignores the uniqueness of the role of husbands and Book. wives, the importance of mothers and fathers in our society. Children, as they grow and mature, deserve from society a clear understanding of the importance of marriage. Without protection and support for the unique place of marriage in society, the State could, in effect, deprive children of the right to a mother and father. Produced by the Catholic (Excerpt from The Meaning of Marriage pastoral statement) Communications Office of the Irish Catholic “The family is the greatest treasure of any country. Let us all Bishops’ Conference. See work to protect and strengthen this, the cornerstone of www.catholicbishops.ie. society.” - Pope Francis. Issue 3 Sunday 29 March 2015 The Meaning of Marriage Newsletter

Bishops’ Pastoral Statement The Meaning of Marriage “As Catholics, it is not sufficient for us to talk about the importance of family. We also have a responsibility to do all that we can do to offer practical support for marriage and family in our parish communities, in our liturgies and our pastoral action and as individual members of society, through our social and political actions. In seeking to reaffirm the unique value to children and society of the mutual and complementary roles of a mother and father, we ask that the principle of equality not be undermined by applying it inappropriately to two fundamentally different types of relationship. Marriage is a unique relationship different from all others for a reason.” Please read the full text of The Meaning of Marriage which is available in English, Irish and Polish on www.catholicbishops.ie

Prayer for Married Couples Marriage is important - Reflect before you change it We thank you, O God, for the love you have Marriage is of fundamental importance for children, mothers and fathers, and society implanted in our hearts. – all of us need to reflect deeply before changing it. Ahead of the referendum in May, bishops ask the faithful to carefully consider: May it inspire us to be kind in our words, that the union of a man and a woman in marriage, open to the procreation of considerate of feelings children, is a gift from God who created us male and female. and concerned with each that reason points to the truth about human sexuality that makes the other’s feelings and relationship between a man and a woman unique. wishes. that mothers and fathers bring different, yet complementary gifts and Help us to be strengths into a child’s life. understanding and forgiving of human the profound implications which this constitutional amendment would have on weakness and failings. the family environment and on our understanding of parenthood. Bless our marriage, O God, with peace and happiness, and make our Protecting marriage is a matter of justice love fruitful for your glory “Religious and non-religious people alike have long acknowledged and know and our joy both here and in eternity. from their experience that the family, based on the marriage of a woman and a man, is the best Amen and ideal place for children. It is a fundamental building block of society which makes a unique Prayer by Stephen and irreplaceable contribution to the common Cummins from The good. It is therefore deserving of special Family recognition and promotion by the State. Prayer Proposals to change the meaning of marriage Book effectively say to parents, children and society that the State should not, and will not, promote any normative or ideal family environment for raising children. It therefore implies that the biological bond and natural ties between a child and its mother and father have no intrinsic value for the child or for society.”

Produced by the Catholic (Excerpt from The Meaning of Marriage pastoral statement) Communications Office of the Irish Catholic “We must reaffirm the right of children to grow up in a family with a Bishops’ Conference. See father and a mother capable of creating a suitable environment for the www.catholicbishops.ie. child’s development and emotional maturity.” - Pope Francis. The Meaning of Marriage Newsletter for dioceses and parishes

Issue 4 - Sunday 12 April 2015, Divine Mercy Sunday

Bishops’ pastoral Prayer by Pope Francis Marriage is important - statement: for the Synod on the Family Reflect before you The Meaning , Mary and Joseph, change it of Marriage In you we contemplate The splendour of true love, We turn to you with confidence.

Holy Family of Nazareth, Make our families, also, Places of communion and cenacles of prayer, Authentic schools of the Gospel, Marriage is of fundamental importance for children, mothers And little domestic Churches. and fathers, and society - all of us need to reflect deeply before Holy Family of Nazareth changing it. Ahead of the Please read the full referendum on 22 May, bishops May our families never more experience text of The Meaning ask the faithful to carefully of Marriage which is Violence, isolation, and division: consider that: May anyone who was wounded or available in English, Married love is a unique scandalised Irish and Polish on form of love between a man catholicbishops.ie. Rapidly experience consolation and and woman which has a healing. special benefit for the “The human couple whole of society. has been blessed by Holy Family of Nazareth, God since the Our understanding of beginning to form a May the upcoming Synod of Bishops marriage is deeply rooted community of love Re-awaken in all an awareness in all cultures: it is not and life, to whom the intended to exclude or mission of procreation Of the sacred character and inviolability disadvantage anyone. has been entrusted. of the family, Christian couples, by To seek to re-define the Its beauty in the project of God. celebrating the nature of marriage would sacrament of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Marriage, indicate undermine it as the they are willing to Hear and answer our prayer. fundamental building honour this blessing, block of our society. with the of Christ, for all their Amen. Marriage should be life.” – Pope Francis reserved for the unique and complementary

relationship between a Produced by the Catholic woman and a man from Communications Office which the generation and of the Irish Catholic upbringing of children is Bishops’ Conference. See uniquely possible. www.catholicbishops.ie The Meaning of Marriage Newsletter for dioceses and parishes

Issue 5 - Sunday 19 April 2015

Bishops’ pastoral Prayer by Pope Francis The Teaching of the statement: for the Synod on the Family Church on Marriage The Meaning Holy Family of Nazareth, Today of Marriage May the upcoming Synod of Bishops Re-awaken in all an awareness Of the sacred character and inviolability of the family, Its beauty in the project of God. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Hear and answer our prayer. Amen. On 19 March last Archbishop Marriage is important - Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of , spoke on The Teaching Reflect before you change it of the Church on Marriage Marriage is of fundamental importance Today, saying, “There is Please read the full something irreplaceable in that for children, mothers and fathers, and text of The Meaning relationship between a man and society - all of us need to reflect deeply of Marriage which is a woman who commit to each before changing it. Ahead of the available in English, other in love and who remain referendum on 22 May, bishops ask the open to the transmission and the Irish and Polish on faithful to carefully consider that: nurturing of human life, within catholicbishops.ie. A woman and man united in an intergenerational framework marriage are witness to God’s plan which contributes to the stability “The family is the for both life and love in a way of society.

greatest treasure unlike any other relationship of human persons. “It is also true that no person of any country. Let exists who is not the fruit of a us all work to Central to the current debate on male and a female. Even if it protect and marriage is the very nature of were possible to clone a child, strengthen this, marriage of itself and the that child would still bear the the cornerstone of importance that society places on genetic imprint of a male and a society.” the role of mothers and fathers in female. Genetic parentage is not Pope Francis bringing up children. irrelevant. Some people sadly The union of marriage provides for have to spend their entire lives the continuation of the human seeking their genetic parents: not race and the development of just out of a natural emotional human society. desire; knowledge of one’s genetic make-up is important – The proposed amendment would and indeed it can be vital when radically change the current planning to have children. protection offered to marriage by

the Constitution of Ireland – the Produced by the Catholic “We are all children of a male foundation stone of society. Communications Office and a female and this must have of the Irish Catholic relevance to our understanding Bishops’ Conference. See of the way children should be www.catholicbishops.ie nurtured and educated.” The Meaning of Marriage Newsletter for dioceses and parishes

Issue 6 for 26 April 2015 — Vocations Sunday

Bishops’ pastoral Extract from the Prayer Marriage is important - statement: by Pope Francis Reflect before you The Meaning for the Synod on the Family change it of Marriage Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, authentic schools of the Gospel and small domestic Churches. Amen.

The effects of the referendum The procreation of children of 22 May will be far reaching for this and for future genera- is a gift from God tions. Catholic bishops are concerned that, should the Please read the full Last month, after their Spring General amendment be passed, it will text of The Meaning Meeting which took place in Maynooth, become increasingly difficult: of Marriage which is the bishops of Ireland said: available in English, to speak any longer in Irish and Polish on We come to this debate believing that public about marriage as catholicbishops.ie. the union of a man and a woman in mar- being between a man riage, open to the procreation of chil- and a woman; dren, is a gift from God who created us "The difference ‘male and female’. Reason also points between man and to teach children in to the truth about human sexuality that school about marriage; woman is not for makes the relationship between a man opposition, or and a woman unique. Mothers and fa- subordination, but for those who sincerely thers bring different, yet complementary for communion continue to believe that gifts and strengths into a child’s life. and creation, al- marriage is between a

ways in the image man and a woman as We cannot support an amendment to the and likeness of they may be forced to act Constitution which redefines marriage God." against their conscience. and effectively places the union of two Pope Francis men, or two women, on a par with the Can a way be found to protect speaks at his marriage relationship between a husband the civil rights of gay people General Audi- and wife which is open to the procrea- without undermining the fun- ence, 15 April tion of children. damental meaning of mar- riage as commonly under- Produced by the Catholic We respect the views of people who stood across cultures, faiths Communications Office think differently to us, trusting that our and down the ages? of the Irish Catholic sincerely held views, grounded in faith, Bishops’ Conference. See will also be heard and respected. For more detail please see www.catholicbishops.ie www.meaning of marriage.ie The Meaning of Marriage Newsletter for dioceses and parishes

Issue 7 for Sunday 3 May 2015, Fifth Sunday of Easter

Bishops’ pastoral Extract from the Prayer Marriage is important - statement: by Pope Francis Reflect before you The Meaning for the Synod on the Family change it of Marriage Homily Family of Nazareth May our families never more experience Violence, isolation and division: May anyone who was wounded or scandalised Rapidly experience consultation and healing. Amen

Why is marriage so important?

In marriage, a woman and man promise love and fidelity to each other, for the The following points are taken rest of their lives. Not knowing what lies from Marriage is important – Please read the full ahead they nevertheless make a Reflect before you change it, the pastoral statement from the text of The Meaning commitment that they will continue to love each other whatever comes. While bishops of Ireland which was of Marriage which is we know that their commitment may published after their Spring 2015 available in English, break down and know also the sorrow general meeting: Irish and Polish on that this can bring, we also recognise We respect the views of catholicbishops.ie. that many couples live that marital commitment faithfully. people who think different- ly to us, trusting that our Married love provides a stable and sincerely held views, nurturing environment, where children grounded in faith, will also receive the most important and lasting be heard and respected. education of all: how to be a member of a family and of society. Mothers and fathers bring different, yet complemen- “The most effec- Any proposal to redefine the meaning tary gifts and strengths into tive witness to the and purpose of marriage on which the a child’s life. blessing of family is founded, by enabling the We ask the people of Ire- marriage is the relationship of a same sex couple to also become a marriage, is based on the land to consider very care- good life of Chris- assumption that marriage - which has fully the profound implica- tian spouses and always been recognised as the natural, tions which this constitu- their families.” primary and fundamental unit group of tional amendment would have on the family environ- Pope Francis, society – has nothing unique about it, ment and on our under- 29 April 2015 and on the assumption that marriage can be stripped of that social standing standing of parenthood.

Produced by the Catholic without obscuring its irreplaceable social role. For further information: Communications Office Online: meaningofmarriage.ie of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. See From The Meaning of Marriage Twitter: @marriagesmatter www.catholicbishops.ie pastoral statement, see full text on www.meaningofmarriage.ie Fb: Meaning of Marriage The Meaning of Marriage Newsletter for dioceses and parishes

Issue 8 for Sunday 10 May 2015, Sixth Sunday of Easter

Bishops’ pastoral Extract from the Prayer by ‘Care for the Covenant of statement: Pope Francis for the Synod on marriage’ - Archbishop the Family The Meaning Eamon Martin Holy Family of Nazareth, How have we got ourselves into of Marriage may the approaching Synod of Bishops the situation that when people make us once more mindful stand up to guard the dignity of of the sacredness and inviolability of the difference between a man and family, woman, and speak for the and its beauty in God’s plan. traditional definition of Amen. marriage, they are often portrayed as being against freedom, or against equality? Marriage is a total communion of How is it that many people won’t life and of love with God of the even raise these issues in their married couple in their family life families and workplaces for fear of being ridiculed or condemned Women and men find companionship in as homophobic? Could we not marriage, where they complement each expect at least some of our Please read the full other, not because they are the same but legislators to engage in public text of The Meaning because they are different. discussion on both sides? of Marriage which is Message on the Marriage available in English, Their marriage is not just for themselves Referendum, 2 May 2015. Irish and Polish on or for the children they may have. The family is the church in the home. The meaningofmarriage.ie bride and groom are consecrated, and as a married couple living their vocation, they enrich the whole community, building up the Church with their love ‘Marriage in the as husband and wife. In procreating and Constitution is linked with rearing children, they live the beauty of the family’ - Archbishop love, fatherhood and motherhood and Diarmuid Martin they have the dignity of participating in ‘Marriage has been God’s creative work. inscribed in creation’s You cannot take one article of the

design by God, and, Constitution in isolation. As Catholics, it is not sufficient for us to by his grace, countless Marriage is not simply about a Christian men and talk about the importance of family. We wedding ceremony or about two women have lived also have a responsibility to do all that married life fully. we can do to offer practical support for people being in love with each Marriage is an act of marriage and family in our parish other. Marriage, in the faith in God’s plan for communities, in our liturgies and our Constitution, is linked with the humanity and an act pastoral action and as individual family and with a concept of of selfless love.’ members of society, through our social family and to the mutuality of Pope Francis and political actions. man and women which is the 6 May 2015 fundamental foundation for the From The Meaning of Marriage family as it exists in the pastoral statement, see the full constitution today. Produced by the Catholic text on meaningofmarriage.ie Address to Diocesan Communications Office of the Irish Catholic Website: www. meaningofmarriage.ie Communications Officers, Bishops’ Conference. See Twitter: @marriagesmatter and on FB. 6 May 2015. www.catholicbishops.ie The Meaning of Marriage Newsletter for dioceses and parishes

Issue 9, Sunday 17 May 2015, The Ascension of the Lord and World Communications Day

Bishops’ pastoral Bishops’ guidance on the marriage referendum statement: Irish Catholic Bishops’ Archbishop : The Meaning Conference: Marriage is of “Are we going to be the first of Marriage fundamental importance for children, generation in human history to mothers and fathers, and society – all of say that mothers and fathers us need to reflect deeply before don‟t matter any more in the changing it. We ask the people of upbringing of children?” Ireland to consider very carefully the profound implications which this Bishop Leo O’Reilly: “I ask constitutional amendment would have you to think of the wider on the family environment and on our consequences of this referendum understanding of parenthood. passing. I have serious concerns about the blunt refusal to give Archbishop Eamon Martin: any real guarantees regarding The Church‟s vision for marriage and freedom of religion in relation to the family is based on faith and reason the referendum.” and it is shared by many people of all Please read the full faith traditions and none. Since time Bishop John Kirby: immemorial, Church and State have text of The Meaning “Marriage should be reserved for recognised marriage to be of the unique and complementary of Marriage which is fundamental importance for children, relationship between a man and available in English, mothers and fathers, and society. To a woman from which the Irish and Polish on interfere with the definition of marriage generation and upbringing of meaningofmarriage.ie is not a simple or a trivial matter. children is uniquely possible.”

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin: Bishop Ray Browne: “The Marriage is not simply about “two future of humanity passes by way individuals who are in love”. The of marriage and family”. This Christian teaching about marriage phrase has its origins in words stresses the complementary relationship spoken by Pope John Paul II. Is between male and female, which is not there anything more vital to the “The family must just a social construction. Marriage is wellbeing of society than always be also about a stable and loving „marriage and family‟?” relationship where children are defended as the generated and educated. Family is also main source of Bishop : The an intergenerational reality. The forthcoming Referendum is a call fraternity, respect stability of marriage contributes in a to Christians to rediscover the for others and the unique way to the stability of society. It deep foundations of marriage primary path of is important in our discussions about based on the union of a man and peace.” marriage and the family in these days a woman who are created to Pope Francis that people should stop for a moment complement each other and, and reflect carefully on what marriage 9 May 2015 where possible, bring new life and the family mean within society and into the world. on what a change in our understanding of marriage across society would entail. Bishop Phonsie Cullinan: For full list of bishops’ statements see “Will the terms „father‟ and Produced by the Catholic www.meaningofmarriage.ie „mother‟ have any real meaning Communications Office in the future? “ of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. See www.catholicbishops.ie Website: www. meaningofmarriage.ie Twitter: @marriagesmatter and on FB. The Meaning of Marriage Newsletter for dioceses and parishes

Family Prayers for Parish and the Home

Prayer by Pope Francis Prayer for the Family for the Synod on the Family Blessed Louis and Zélie Martin Jesus, Mary and Joseph, In you Father in Heaven we contemplate You called Louis and Zélie Martin to holiness The splendour of true love, We through their married life. turn to you with confidence. You gave them as Mother and Father to Holy Family of Nazareth, Make St. Therese of Lisieux. our families, also, Places of Through their intercession, communion and cenacles of we ask you to bless the married couples of our diocese/parish and those who are preparing for prayer, Authentic schools of the marriage. Gospel, Bless our children and our grandchildren. And little domestic Churches. Guide us by your Holy Spirit to bear witness in Holy Family of Nazareth our lives to the beauty of the Sacrament of May our families never more experience Marriage. Violence, isolation, and division: Guide us as citizens to make the kind of decisions that will support family life, protect marriage May anyone who was wounded or scandalised and respect the dignity of children. Rapidly experience consolation and healing. Holy Family of Nazareth, We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. May the upcoming Synod of Bishops Amen. Re-awaken in all an awareness Of the sacred character and inviolability of the God’s plan for our marriage family, Its beauty in the project of God. and family Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Hear and answer our As we answer God‟s call in prayer. Amen. our vocation in the Sacrament of Marriage to follow Christ and to Prayers of the Faithful serve the kingdom of God in our married 1. We pray for families; that they may, in the life, we ask, in and through the concreteness words of Pope Francis, communicate by of events, problems, difficulties and their witness the beauty and the richness circumstances of everyday life, that God will come to us, guiding us and enlightening us as of the relationship between men and we share Christ‟s love with one another, in our women, and between parents and family life, at work, in our neighbourhood, in children. our contributions to society and in the life and 2. We pray for families; may they be places worship of our parish. full of love, where all members are respected and where parents and children AMEN grow in love for one another. Inspired by John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio (51), from The Family Prayer Book Source: Intercom magazine

Produced by the Catholic Communications Office of Website: www. meaningofmarriage.ie the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Twitter: @marriagesmatter and on Facebook. See www.catholicbishops.ie