Religious persecution in Britain: Open letter from over 1000 Catholic clergy

The following is the open letter in the Daily Telegraph from over 1000 English clergy [emphasis added]. The legislation is nothing but fascism. 

• The Fascist conception is for the State; and it is for the individual in so far as he coincides with the State
• Fascism reaffirms the State as the true reality of the individual. 
• Everything is in the State, and nothing human or spiritual exists, much less has value, outside the State
• The Fascist State... is a force, but a spiritual force, which takes over all the forms of the moral and intellectual life of man
• Fascism.. is not only the giver of laws and the founder of institutions, but the educator and promoter of spiritual life. It wants to remake, not the forms of human life, but its content, man, character, faith ...and... enter into the spirits of men and there govern unopposed.  (Mussolini)

SIR – After centuries of persecution, Catholics have, in recent times, been able to be members of the professions and participate fully in the life of this country.

Legislation for same-sex marriage, should it be enacted, will have many legal consequences, severely restricting the ability of Catholics to teach the truth about marriage in their schools, charitable institutions or places of worship.

It is meaningless to argue that Catholics and others may still teach their beliefs about marriage in schools and other arenas if they are also expected to uphold the opposite view at the same time.

The natural complementarity between a man and a woman leads to marriage, seen as a lifelong partnership. This loving union – because of their physical complementarity – is open to bringing forth and nurturing children.

This is what marriage is. That is why marriage is only possible between a man and a woman. Marriage, and the home, children and family life it generates, is the foundation and basic building block of our society.

We urge Members of Parliament not to be afraid to reject this legislation now that its consequences are more clear.

Rt Rev Peter Brignall
Bishop of Wrexham

Rt Rev Terence Drainey
Bishop of Middlesbrough

Rt Rev Philip Egan
Bishop of Portsmouth

Rt Rev Malcolm McMahon
Bishop of Nottingham

Rt Rev Mgr Keith Newton

Ordinary, Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham