Culture & Religion

Families and Religion in Canada (essays from Transitions Magazine, 2003). See Link

Most Canadian faith communities share a similar understanding of marriage as a union of man and woman forming a community of life for the children born of this bond. They also affirm the unique significance of adoption for children who cannot be connected to their natural mothers or fathers.

These communities do express some differences over indissolubility & divorce, abortion/contraception, and the relationship between husbands and wives.

More recently a few faith communities (e.g. the United Church of Canada, Unitarian Church) have formally adopted a "union of two persons" doctrine of marriage, thus extending marriage to include same-sex couples. The Anglican communion continues to debate this question. Most of the other faith traditions have rejected this view as incompatible with their understanding of the fundamental nature of marriage. They affirm the"union of man and woman" doctrine of marriage.

For survey data see: "Religion and the Same-Sex Marriage Debate" Reginald Bibby See Link

Anglican Church of Canada: Blessings of Same-Sex Unions Final Report (2004). See Link

Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. Resources on the Marriage Debate. See Link

"Catholic Organization for Life and Family" Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops: Documents and Resources. See Link

Comments by Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on Bill C-38. Feb.3, 2005 See Link

Letter to the Leader of the Conservative Party on the Redefinition of Marriage. Feb.1, 2005. See Link

Letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin on the Redefinition of Marriage. Jan.31, 2005. See Link

Letter to the Leader of the Bloc Party on the Redefintiion of Marriage. Jan. 31, 2005. See Link

Letter to the Leader of the NDP on the Redefinition of Marriage. Jan. 31, 2005. See Link

Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops: Statement on the Dec.9, 2004 Supreme Court of Canada Opinion on the Redefinition of Marriage: Click Here to Read the Statement

Archbishop Brendon O'Brien, President of the CCCB, "Pastoral Letter to Catholics in Canada on Redefining Marriage" Feb.9, 2005. See Link

Archbishop Terrence Prendergast (Halifax) responds to the Supreme Court Opinion (Oped, Dec 9, 2021). See Link

Archbishop Terrence Prendergast (Halifax): "Mariage entre conjoints de même sexe." Le Devoir, Jan.7, 2005. See Link

Archbiship Thomas Collins (Edmonton): "Some Reflections on the Current Discussion of Marriage."(Essay) ) See Link

Bishop Frederick Henry on Same-Sex Marriage (Jan 2005) See Link. Media reaction. See Link

Open Letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin Aloysius Cardinal Ambrozic, Archbishop of Toronto, Jan 18, 2022. See Link

Lettre ouverte du Cardinal Marc Ouellet "Mariage et société: Pour un vote libre et éclairé à la chambre des communes." Jan 22, 2005. See Link. "Marriage and Society" (Eng. version). See Link

Archbishop Marcel Gervais, Diocese of Ottawa. "Letter on Marriage," Jan 26, 2005, See Link

Bishop James M. Wingle, Diocese of St. Catherines Ontario, "Marriage and the Common Good." Feb.7, 2005. See Link

"Theology of the Body"(1979-1984): John Paul II's innovative theological explorations of biblical perspectives on the body, marriage and sexuality. See Link

"Considerations regarding recognition to unions between homosexual persons" See Link

"Letter to the Prime Minister to Reconsider Legislation to Redefine Marriage," Bruce Clemenger, President of EFC. Jan. 21, 2005. See Link

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. "Considering Same-Sex Blessings." See Link

Lutheran Church--Canada (Missouri Synod): Documents on the Definition of Marriage. See Link

Lutheran Church--Canada (Missouri Synod): "Theological Documents: Role of Women " See Link

Bishop Ibrahim, "Letter to the Prime Minister on the Definition of Marriage." Feb.10, 2005. See Link.

Listening: Understanding Human Sexuality (Special Committee on Sexual Orientation, 2003). See Link

United Church Moderator Letter to Parliamentarians Supporting the Redefintion of Marraige (Jan 21, 2022). See Link

National non-denominational Christian organization focused on the renewal of marriage/ family life and public policy issues related to marriage/family life. See Link

Resource Material on Marriage (including Focus Factums on Court cases): See Link

The Canadian Society of Muslims: Various statements on family, marriage and law. See Link

Islamic Supreme Council of Canada. Letter to Paul Martin on the Marriage Debate. Dec. 12, 2004. See Link

Canadian Council of Muslim Women. An advocacy group for Muslim women's rights that opposes the proposed implimentation of Shariah family arbitration tribunals in Ontario. See Link

Canadian Islamic Congress. Statement on Marriage Debate. Feb.7, 2004. See Link

JUDAISM

Judaism 101: "Marriage" See Link. "Divorce" See Link "Kosher Sex" See Link

"Marriage and Sexuality" Torah.org. See Link

The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (OU), the largest rabbinic and synagogue Orthodox Jewish organizations in North America, released a joint statement opposing the practice of same-sex marriage. (March 4, 2022) See Link

Rabbi Lewis (Queens University): A Reform Jewish critique of the Orthodox joint statement. See Link

Jewish leaders react to Supreme Court same-sex ruling. Canadian Jewish News, Dec. 3, 2004. See Link

Rabbis Voice Opposing Views. Canadian Jewish News. Dec. 23. See Link

"Some Jewish Rabbis praise, others berate Canada's same-sex ruling." Jewish Bulletin News. See Link

Factum of the Canadian Coalition of Liberal Rabbis for Same-Sex Marriage. (Halpern vs. Canada) See Link

SIKH

"A Sikh Wedding" See Link

Sikh Leader Rejects Same-Sex Marriage" (Jan 2005) See Link Globe and Mail Coverage, See Link

Religion, Marriage, and Rights

Liberal societies struggle to maintain a measured distance in relationship to the "basic Institutions" of civil society (e.g. the economy, religon, and marriage) since the freedom of these institutions from state interference has been seen as a requirement of "political liberalism" ( John Rawls). The current debate over the definition of marriage raises important questions about the role of the state in definining the norms that should guide these institutions and how the state manages competing conceptions of the good of marriage in a liberal democracy.

Some argue that the state needs to impose a thoroughly "liberal" doctrine of marriage. They argue that the liberal state needs to "purge" Canadian culture of "toxic religions" that have "polluted culture for too long" by fostering discriminatory views of marriage and homosexuality. Proposed strategies for disciplining religious traditions include the use of the courts to challenge "discriminatory" speech or practice or challenging charitable tax status.

Dr. Robert Wintemute (Oxford) "Religion vs. Sexual Orientation" See Link
"Purging Toxic Religion in Canada" See Link
"Rome is Where the Hate Is" See Link

Some argue that a liberal state should not take sides by attempting to impose a particular doctrine. Marriage, like religion, is a highly charged domain of human life. The legal imposition of any doctrine of marriage inevitably tramples the rights of those who may adhere to a different or competing conception of marriage.

Rex Murphy, "Church, State, and the Same-Sex Debate." CBC National, Point of View. Feb.1, 2005. See Link.
"Debate is a Cardinal Virtue" Rex Murphy Jan.22, 2005. See Link

Others argue that the liberal state should support the historic understanding of marriage that many faith traditions are committed to since this form of life supports certain key social purposes essential to the well-being of society.

Douglas Farrow, "What's Religion Got to Do with It?

CBC Cross Country Checkup, January 23, 2022 "Same-Sex Marriage: Is There a Place for Religion in Politics?" See Link

1. Marriage and Family in Aboriginal Communities:

Marlene Brant Castellano, "Aboriginal Family Trends: Extended Families, Nuclear Familes, Families of the Heart" Vanier Institute, 2002. See Link

Famiglia: "Dedicated to helping Italo-Canadian families along the road to family life." See Link

The Canadian Lebanese Human Rights Federation. Press release on support for the traditional definition of marriage. See Link

Ten Canadian Lebanese Community Groups Oppose Any Change to the Traditional Definition of Marriage. See Link

"Asian Canadians for Equal Marriage" Support the Redefinition of Marriage. See Link


		CBC Cross Country Checkup January 23, 2022 "Same-Sex Marriage: Is There a Place for Religion in Politics?" 8
NEW Archbishop Brendon O'Brien, President of the CCCB, "Pastoral Letter to Catholics in Canada on Redefining Marriage" Feb.9, 2005. Bishop James M. Wingle, Diocese of St. Catherines, Ontario, "Marriage and the Common Good." Feb.7, 2005 Comments by Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on Bill C-38. Feb.3, 2005 Lettre ouverte du Cardinal Marc Ouellet "Mariage et société" Jan 22, 2005. Marriage and Society - English Version - United Church Moderator Letter to Parliamentarians Supporting the Redefintion of Marraige (Jan 21, 2022) "Letter to the Prime Minister to Reconsider Legislation to Redefine Marriage," Bruce Clemenger, President of EFC. Jan. 21, 2005 Open Letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin Aloysius Cardinal Ambrozic, Archbishop of Toronto, Jan 18, 2022
	CULTURE & RELIGION FAITH COMMUNITIES IN CANADA CHRISTIANITY (Denominations) Anglicanism Catholicism Evanglical Greek Orthodox Lutheran Melkite (Catholic) Presbyterian Seventh-Day Adventist Ukrainian Orthodox United Church of Canada CHRISTIANITY (Associations) Christian Legal Fellowship Focus on the Family HINDUISM ISLAM JUDAISM SIKH RELIGION, MARRIAGE AND RIGHTS CANADIAN CULTURAL AND ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES ABORIGINAL ITALIAN CANADIAN LEBANESE COMMUNITY CHINESE Faith Communities 2001 Statistics Canada Overview of Religions in Canada. See Link Families and Religion in Canada (essays from Transitions Magazine, 2003). See Link Most Canadian faith communities share a similar understanding of marriage as a union of man and woman forming a community of life for the children born of this bond. They also affirm the unique significance of adoption for children who cannot be connected to their natural mothers or fathers. These communities do express some differences over indissolubility & divorce, abortion/contraception, and the relationship between husbands and wives. More recently a few faith communities (e.g. the United Church of Canada, Unitarian Church) have formally adopted a "union of two persons" doctrine of marriage, thus extending marriage to include same-sex couples. The Anglican communion continues to debate this question. Most of the other faith traditions have rejected this view as incompatible with their understanding of the fundamental nature of marriage. They affirm the"union of man and woman" doctrine of marriage. For survey data see: "Religion and the Same-Sex Marriage Debate" Reginald Bibby See Link CHRISTIANITY (Denominations) ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA: 2004 Anglican Synod Affirms Integrity of Same-Sex Relationships. See Link Anglican Church of Canada: Blessings of Same-Sex Unions Final Report (2004). See Link Bishops Issue Statement on Same-Sex Unions (2002). See Link Human Sexuality: A Statement by the Anglican Bishops of Canada (1997) See Link CATHOLIC CHURCH CANADIAN CONFERENCE OF BISHOPS Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. Resources on the Marriage Debate. See Link "Catholic Organization for Life and Family" Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops: Documents and Resources. See Link Comments by Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on Bill C-38. Feb.3, 2005 See Link Letter to the Leader of the Conservative Party on the Redefinition of Marriage. Feb.1, 2005. See Link Letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin on the Redefinition of Marriage. Jan.31, 2005. See Link Letter to the Leader of the Bloc Party on the Redefintiion of Marriage. Jan. 31, 2005. See Link Letter to the Leader of the NDP on the Redefinition of Marriage. Jan. 31, 2005. See Link Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops: Statement on the Dec.9, 2004 Supreme Court of Canada Opinion on the Redefinition of Marriage: Click Here to Read the Statement Archbishop Brendon O'Brien, President of the CCCB, "Pastoral Letter to Catholics in Canada on Redefining Marriage" Feb.9, 2005. See Link CANADIAN DIOCESAN STATEMENTS: Archbishop Terrence Prendergast (Halifax) responds to the Supreme Court Opinion (Oped, Dec 9, 2021). See Link Archbishop Terrence Prendergast (Halifax): "Mariage entre conjoints de même sexe." Le Devoir, Jan.7, 2005. See Link Archbiship Thomas Collins (Edmonton): "Some Reflections on the Current Discussion of Marriage."(Essay) ) See Link Bishop Frederick Henry on Same-Sex Marriage (Jan 2005) See Link. Media reaction. See Link Open Letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin Aloysius Cardinal Ambrozic, Archbishop of Toronto, Jan 18, 2022. See Link Lettre ouverte du Cardinal Marc Ouellet "Mariage et société: Pour un vote libre et éclairé à la chambre des communes." Jan 22, 2005. See Link. "Marriage and Society" (Eng. version). See Link Archbishop Marcel Gervais, Diocese of Ottawa. "Letter on Marriage," Jan 26, 2005, See Link Bishop James M. Wingle, Diocese of St. Catherines Ontario, "Marriage and the Common Good." Feb.7, 2005. See Link CATHOLIC RESOURCES "The Family and Human Rights." (2000) See Link National Association of Catholic Families Index of Church Documents: See Link Documents and Resources on the Family and Children. See Link Documents and Resources on Marriage. See Link Documents and Resources on Sexuality. See Link "Theology of the Body"(1979-1984): John Paul II's innovative theological explorations of biblical perspectives on the body, marriage and sexuality. See Link "Considerations regarding recognition to unions between homosexual persons" See Link Pope Insists on the Dangers of Imposing a New Legal Definition of Marriage Click Here to Read Newscoverage EVANGELICAL FELLOWSHIP OF CANADA "Defending Marriage" (Various statements and resource material): See Link Three " Fact Sheets on Marriage." See Link Why Should We Care About the Marriage Law. See Link "Letter to the Prime Minister to Reconsider Legislation to Redefine Marriage," Bruce Clemenger, President of EFC. Jan. 21, 2005. See Link GREEK ORTHODOX Greek Orthodox Church of Canada (Toronto) - "Matrimony.". See Link LUTHERANISM Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. "Considering Same-Sex Blessings." See Link ELCA report -- Task Force on Sexuality. See Link ELCA -- Report on Sexuality (Resources). See Link Lutheran Church--Canada (Missouri Synod): Documents on the Definition of Marriage. See Link Lutheran Church--Canada (Missouri Synod): "Theological Documents: Role of Women " See Link Lutheran Church -- Canada. "Who Defines Marriage." See Link Lutheran Church-- Canada: Opinion on Halpern v. Canada judgment. See Link MELKITE (Catholic) The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, See Link Bishop Ibrahim, "Letter to the Prime Minister on the Definition of Marriage." Feb.10, 2005. See Link. PRESBYTERIAN Listening: Understanding Human Sexuality (Special Committee on Sexual Orientation, 2003). See Link Statement on Human Sexuality (1994). See Link SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH OF CANADA "The Importance of Marriage" (Brian Bussey). See Link UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF CANADA "An Orthodox Christian Perspective on the Mystery of Marriage." See Link "Family as the Bearer of Tradition" See Link UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA United Church Moderator Letter to Parliamentarians Supporting the Redefintion of Marraige (Jan 21, 2022). See Link "Marriage and Life Partnership" Documents and Resources See Link United Church Welcomes Supreme Court Opinion (9/12): See Link Statement by UCC moderator on same-sex marriage: See Link The Civil Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage See Link CHRISTIANITY (Associations) CHRISTIAN LEGAL FELLOWSHIP Marriage and Same-Sex Unions (Resources) See Link FOCUS ON THE FAMILY CANADA National non-denominational Christian organization focused on the renewal of marriage/ family life and public policy issues related to marriage/family life. See Link Response to Dec 9 2004 Supreme Court Opinion. See Link Resource Material on Marriage (including Focus Factums on Court cases): See Link HINDUISM Hindu Resources in Canada: Marriage and Family. See Link ISLAM The Canadian Society of Muslims: Various statements on family, marriage and law. See Link Islamic Supreme Council of Canada. Letter to Paul Martin on the Marriage Debate. Dec. 12, 2004. See Link Muslim Family Law in Canada. See Link. The Campaign for Shariah Family Law in Canada. See Link Canadian Council of Muslim Women. An advocacy group for Muslim women's rights that opposes the proposed implimentation of Shariah family arbitration tribunals in Ontario. See Link Canadian Islamic Congress. Statement on Marriage Debate. Feb.7, 2004. See Link JUDAISM Judaism 101: "Marriage" See Link. "Divorce" See Link "Kosher Sex" See Link "Marriage and Sexuality" Torah.org. See Link The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (OU), the largest rabbinic and synagogue Orthodox Jewish organizations in North America, released a joint statement opposing the practice of same-sex marriage. (March 4, 2022) See Link Rabbi Lewis (Queens University): A Reform Jewish critique of the Orthodox joint statement. See Link Jewish leaders react to Supreme Court same-sex ruling. Canadian Jewish News, Dec. 3, 2004. See Link Rabbis Voice Opposing Views. Canadian Jewish News. Dec. 23. See Link "Some Jewish Rabbis praise, others berate Canada's same-sex ruling." Jewish Bulletin News. See Link Factum of the Canadian Coalition of Liberal Rabbis for Same-Sex Marriage. (Halpern vs. Canada) See Link SIKH "A Sikh Wedding" See Link Sikh Leader Rejects Same-Sex Marriage" (Jan 2005) See Link Globe and Mail Coverage, See Link Religion, Marriage, and Rights Liberal societies struggle to maintain a measured distance in relationship to the "basic Institutions" of civil society (e.g. the economy, religon, and marriage) since the freedom of these institutions from state interference has been seen as a requirement of "political liberalism" ( John Rawls). The current debate over the definition of marriage raises important questions about the role of the state in definining the norms that should guide these institutions and how the state manages competing conceptions of the good of marriage in a liberal democracy. Some argue that the state needs to impose a thoroughly "liberal" doctrine of marriage. They argue that the liberal state needs to "purge" Canadian culture of "toxic religions" that have "polluted culture for too long" by fostering discriminatory views of marriage and homosexuality. Proposed strategies for disciplining religious traditions include the use of the courts to challenge "discriminatory" speech or practice or challenging charitable tax status. Dr. Robert Wintemute (Oxford) "Religion vs. Sexual Orientation" See Link "Purging Toxic Religion in Canada" See Link "Rome is Where the Hate Is" See Link Some argue that a liberal state should not take sides by attempting to impose a particular doctrine. Marriage, like religion, is a highly charged domain of human life. The legal imposition of any doctrine of marriage inevitably tramples the rights of those who may adhere to a different or competing conception of marriage. Rex Murphy, "Church, State, and the Same-Sex Debate." CBC National, Point of View. Feb.1, 2005. See Link. "Debate is a Cardinal Virtue" Rex Murphy Jan.22, 2005. See Link Others argue that the liberal state should support the historic understanding of marriage that many faith traditions are committed to since this form of life supports certain key social purposes essential to the well-being of society. Douglas Farrow, "What's Religion Got to Do with It? CBC Cross Country Checkup, January 23, 2022 "Same-Sex Marriage: Is There a Place for Religion in Politics?" See Link CULTURAL AND ABORIGINAL 1. Marriage and Family in Aboriginal Communities: Marlene Brant Castellano, "Aboriginal Family Trends: Extended Families, Nuclear Familes, Families of the Heart" Vanier Institute, 2002. See Link "Assembly of First Nations" - Resources on Social Development. See Link 2. Italian Canadian Community Famiglia: "Dedicated to helping Italo-Canadian families along the road to family life." See Link 3. Canadian Lebanese Community The Canadian Lebanese Human Rights Federation. Press release on support for the traditional definition of marriage. See Link Ten Canadian Lebanese Community Groups Oppose Any Change to the Traditional Definition of Marriage. See Link Canadian Chinese Community "Asian Canadians for Equal Marriage" Support the Redefinition of Marriage. See Link

CULTURE & RELIGION

1. Marriage and Family in Aboriginal Communities: