Russian Orthodox Church Warns Society on Same-Sex Marriage Danger, Survival of Humankind

sermonindex Feb 1, 2014

The leader of the Russian Orthodox Church has warned society on the dangers of the "international campaign" behind same-sex marriage, and insisted that the traditional family structure is needed for the survival of humankind.

"Preservation of marriage as a union between a man and a woman based on love and mutual understanding and birth of beloved children are a precondition for survival of humankind," Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill said in a statement on Tuesday following a meeting at the upper house of the Russian parliament, ITAR-TASS News Agency said of reports in the world's largest country.

Kirill added that the church is also concerned about marital infidelity and the "irresponsibility in relations between men and women," in his message directed toward "all sober-minded people of Russia and other countries."
The Orthodox head said that he believes preserving traditional marriage is more of a moral issue than a religious one, and so a secular state should prohibit same-sex marriages based on moral reasoning.

narrowpath Feb 2, 2014

Though I do not agree with their theological positions, the ROC shows much more sense then many western secular leaders, let alone many a evangelical leaders.

ginnyrose Feb 4, 2014

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The Orthodox head said that he believes preserving traditional marriage is more of a moral issue than a religious one, and so a secular state should prohibit same-sex marriages based on moral reasoning.
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I find this comment interesting. One rarely hears this. If one reads enough religious lit about marriage you will conclude that marriage is a religious ritual. The reality is that God's people have made it so and in so doing have taken liberties to modify it, just like you do any other religious ritual.

If marriage were to be kept in the moral realm, that the laws restricting it are moral ones and not religious ones, it may slow peoples penchant to modify.

As we look in the WORD we read how John the Baptist took Herod to task for taking his brother's wife. This was not a religious issue but a moral one, similar to killing, stealing - these are moral issues not religious ones.

Anyhow, I am gratified the ROC has the nerve to speak up on this issue and say it like it is.