Archbishop Longley: 'government must hear views of ordinary people on same-sex marriage'

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“The strong support of many of our Churches and faith communities for the traditional understanding of marriage cannot be overlooked. This message from the faith communities is a reminder that the Government needs to listen carefully to the voices of ordinary people.

“It cannot be presumed that everyone is in favour of same-sex marriage because a vocal minority has captured the attention of the media,” stressed the Most Reverend Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham, during the Annual Civic Mass, at the Metropolitan Cathedral & Basilica of St Chad, Birmingham, on the Solemnity of Christ the King, Sunday, 25 November.

The Archbishop of Birmingham emphasised: “At the same time faith communities must welcome a wider public debate in which we can dialogue with those who oppose our views.”

Archbishop Longley, Chairman of the Department for Dialogue and Unity of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, said: “Faith leaders represent traditions that respect the rule of law while preserving the right to reflect critically on the principles that underpin our laws. The wisdom of the scriptures and traditions that we have received and the experience of many generations of believers have significant consequences for our contribution to the common good. We have inherited a responsibility to offer critical insights, based upon values received through faith, to those who formulate and interpret our laws, and always offered with due respect to the responsible authorities.”

Archbishop Longley added: “Each civic service provides a glimpse into the life of the faith community offering its welcome. It also enables that faith community to listen to the common concerns of our fellow citizens as they are heard and discerned by those in public life who are charged with making a response.”

The Archbishop of Birmingham concluded by speaking about local issues. He said: “The faith communities in Birmingham are often among the first to recognise emerging social needs within our local communities. Many of them have been initiated and are involved in local projects that are making a practical contribution towards building a revived culture of social responsibility.

“Ecumenical partnerships have also drawn the churches together in a common endeavour to help tackle poverty and the ills of social exclusion.”

Archbishop Bernard Longley added: “With the season of Christmas now so close I am delighted that the German market has provided the city centre with the most beautiful crib scene depicting the story of Christmas and the birth of the saviour as a reminder of God’s love to all who pass it.

“I am also grateful that the City’s Museum and Art Gallery is once again preparing the Nativity Trail, to be opened this Friday (30 November) and enabling visitors to experience and appreciate the story at the heart of Christian faith through the beauty and the message of great works of art. These offer two little examples of the opportunities before us to work more closely together for the common good.”

At the start of the Civic Mass Archbishop Bernard Longley welcomed the distinguished civic visitors present.

The first reading from the prophet Daniel was read by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor John Lines.

Judge Elizabeth Fisher, a Birmingham Circuit Judge, dedicated the second reading from the book of the Apocalypse to the late Judge Derek Stanley, a former Master of Ceremonies at St Chad’s Cathedral, whose initiative it was to invite the judges to attend the Civic Service.

The beautiful Kyrie & Gloria, Sanctus, and Agnus Die from the Mass in Honour of St Joseph, together with the Jubilate Die, by Flor Peeters (1903-1986) the renowned Belgian composer, organist and teacher, were sung by the St Chad’s Cathedral Singers, conducted by Professor David Saint, Organist and Director of Music.

During Communion, the choir sang the Ave Verum with music by Colin Mawby, former Master of the Music at Westminster Cathedral.

Before the final blessing Archbishop Bernard Longley gave a special word of thanks to Canon Gerry Breen, the Cathedral Dean, his staff and dedicated team of volunteers.

The National Anthem was sung and the joyful sound of the final hymn, Christ is made the sure foundation, reverberated throughout every corner of St Chad's Cathedral. It was a memorable and inspirational occasion in the life of the Archdiocese of Birmingham in this Year of Faith, inaugurated by Pope Benedict XVI, in Rome during October.

The picture shows: Archbishop Bernard Longley and Canon Gerry Breen, the Cathedral Dean, with the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor John Lines and the Lady Mayoress, High Court Judges, the High Sheriff and the Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands, after the Civic Mass at St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham, on the Solemnity of Christ the King, Sunday, 25 November.