Madam, – As the Civil Partnership Bill passes through the Dáil, many of us within evangelical churches in Ireland are profoundly concerned.
We believe from God’s word that the sole context for all sexual activity is to be within a marriage union between one man and one woman. The Bible is clear that all sexual activity outside of this state is sinful, including homosexual practice. We also believe that one can hold these beliefs and still treat all people lovingly and with respect, while at the same time not endorsing their lifestyle choices.
Because the proposed legislation imposes a €2,000 fine and up to six months imprisonment on a registrar who refuses to facilitate a civil partnership we believe that this is a direct attack upon freedom of conscience and religion. Proprietors of guest houses and BB establishments may similarly be subject to penalty.
Our concerns are based on sincerely held religious convictions and we believe that, in accordance with normal good practice, in the framing of the Bill the Government should respect freedom of conscience and religion.
We therefore call upon Dermot Ahern TD, as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, to move to protect freedom of conscience and religion for Christians employed in the registry service and hospitality sector. – Yours, etc.
Pastor PAUDGE MULVIHILL,
Calvary Church Westport;
ANDREW COMPTON,
Midleton Evangelical Church;
Rev MICHAEL J WALSH,
Grace Community Church,
Roscommon; Pastor MERVYN
SCOTT, Youghal Baptist
Church; WILLIAM O’
MAHONEY, Cove St Christian
Fellowship, Cork; JONATHAN
McCRACKEN, Tramore Bible
Church; Pastor MATTHEW
BRENNAN, Clonmel,
Co Tipperary; KEITH
CHIPPERFIELD, South Hill
Evangelical Church, Dublin;
BEN SANTING, Corner Church
Tuam; STUART
CHIPPERFIELD, South Hill
Evangelical Church, Dublin;
BILLY HAMILTON, Covenant
Fellowship, Galway; Pastor
DAVE MARTIN, Immanuel
Church, Dublin; Pastor BRIAN
DUFFIELD, Newbridge Bible
Church; Pastor TONY
SIMPSON, The Upper Room
Church, Cork; KEN COWPAR,
JOHN STANFIELD, DAVID
STEVENS, Mallow St Christian
Fellowship, Limerick; Pastor
MICHAEL D TARDIVE, Laois
Bible Church, Portlaoise
Pastor VINCENT GANNON,
Christian Fellowship Church,
Dublin,
C/o Rowan Drive,
Castlebar, Co Mayo.