This post offers a faith perspective on Christian marriage that might be of assistance as we head towards a postal plebiscite here in Australia. It also compiles articles from Church leaders, Academics and Professionals, and international events.

Verses

Malachi 2:14b ..though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.

Proverbs 11:11 Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted.

Observation

Christian Marriage is a Covenant

This passage in Malachi specifically highlights that the nature of marriage in the Hebrew tradition is a covenant. As recently as 2016, Pope Francis has articulated the Christian tradition also holds marriage to be in the form of a covenant . This is different in nature from a simple contractual relationship between two parties. It is a relationship that is initiated and maintained under the watchful eye and eternal presence of the Lord Almighty. The blessings that accrue to families operating under the Judeo-Christian tradition do not follow only from the standards upheld by those traditions. The blessings arise from the sustenance, grace and peace granted by the presence of God when the nature of the covenant relationship is honoured through those standards. One of those standards is that the marriage covenant is between a man and a woman; male and female.

Institutional Consequences of Statutory Change

The nature and standards of marriage are not set by statute; they pre-date the giving of any law. The giving of the Hebrew law only arose because it served to highlight the pre-existing violations of the nature and standards of all covenants with God. Indeed, the presence of a law defining marriage only exists on our own statute books because of harms to women and children arising from deliberate avoidance of those standards. The law does not define the societal institution; the law merely defines the words describing violations for the avoidance of the harms of the violations. The societal institution pre-dates and is far greater than the mere words of any statute that attempts to define it. That is why there are so many far reaching implications for the push to state that the law does define the institution and that both the law and the institution can be changed by the stroke of a pen.

Faithful and Respectful Advocacy of “No” Case

Until the outcome of the plebiscite is known, I am expecting articulate cases to be mounted by advocates of both positions. For the purpose of this blog, I will be documenting those cases supporting the “No” change outcome. With all good faith and respect, I believe it offers the best path forward for all people of this nation. You will see links to these below.

Another Response for the Church Internally?

However, my interest is piqued that this remarkable event, and others aligned with it, are occurring in the public domain of so many nations at this time. In a previous post I highlighted Malachi’s remarks later in chapter 3:13-15. Those who claimed to know God were complaining that those who didn’t were advancing. The Lord was actually more interested in the behaviour and standards of those who knew him than those who didn’t. In fact, He was pointing out a violation of the 3rd Commandment (to not misuse His name) by those who did know him. When those who knew God gathered together, forsook their prior misuse of His name and began to rightly honour His name, the Lord promised a turnaround, or a comeback, for those who knew him. By implication, those upright and righteous would once more pronounce and impart a blessing to the society around them. Perhaps the response of those who feared God in Malachi is an internal response for the church of this day?

Prayer

Father, please forgive us where we as members of your church have not lived up to your name. Grant us the redemption we need to help us in our time of need. Thank you for Jesus Christ, our redeemer. Thank you for your helper, the Holy Spirit. Help us hear the voice of your Spirit as we listen to others in the church as we all seek to rightly honour Your name once more. We pray for your blessing for all members of our nation of Australia.

Christian Leaders Statements

• Archbishop of Perth Pastoral Letter and News Release
• Archbishop of Sydney and more detail
• Sydney Anglicans
• An Anglican Vicar’s commentary
• An ordained Anglican minister

Professional (Academic, Medical and Legal) Views

• Australian Doctors
• High Court of Northern Ireland
• Professor of Bioethics
• UK Barrister highlights Legal Cases

International Experiences

• Canada warning and observations
• UK administrative decisions against schools

References