The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) has voiced its regret over the passage of Bill C-38, the Civil Marriage Act, which will legalise marriage between same-sex couples in all courthouses and city halls in Canada. The EFC fears the new law will have detrimental effects to both the family and religious freedom in the country.
Bruce Clemenger, president of the EFC, said: "Today our government has chosen to redefine the foundational institution of our society. The consequences of this massive social experiment have not been fully examined or understood."
Clemenger warned more specifically of the danger for children if the emphasis within the family is shifted from child to adult. He said: "With the passage of this legislation, the government has reconfigured marriage as a primarily adult-centered institution, and surrendered its ability to champion the rights of children to know and be raised by a mother and a father."
The EFC firmly rejected the new law, continuing to defend marriage as the union between man and woman.
"By reason of faith, conscience, practice and teaching, the EFC cannot accept this new definition of marriage. Evangelical pastors and congregations will continue to celebrate and promote marriage as the exclusive and enduring union of one man and one woman," said Clemenger.
He continued by saying the EFC "will continue to use the language of husband and wife and promote marriage as the real and symbolic affirmation of, and commitment to, the child's right to know and experience a mother and a father."
