Leaders representing more than one million ethnic minority churchgoers in Britain have united to oppose the Prime Minister’s plans to redefine marriage.
Fundamental
In a joint letter to the Daily Telegraph, ministers of some of Britain’s biggest ethnic congregations have accused the government of ignoring the views of minority groups by pushing “fundamental changes to the nature of marriage.”
The letter – signed by leaders of a wide range of Pentecostal and Baptist churches – dismisses claims that same-sex ‘marriage’ would promote “equality” and “diversity” and warns the Tories that the move could cost them votes in the next general election.
Concerns
“We are leaders of large ethnically diverse denominations in the UK – growing churches,” the letter says.
“Instead of hearing our concerns the government is taking direction from tiny faith groups to infer backing for their plans.”
It adds: “The people of the UK need to have their say.
“These plans were not in any party's manifesto and if the government had any respect for democracy they would allow a referendum before making fundamental changes to the nature of marriage.”
Distinct
“Equality requires diversity, and diversity requires distinctiveness, and marriage is and always will be distinctively a union between a man and a woman.
“By changing marriage from its historic foundation they would be creating a legal fiction, and consequently devaluing this vitally important social institution.
“The Government is not respecting difference and they are not promoting a plural society.”
“If the Government get their way it will not be a victory for equality,”
“The Government is forcing through fundamental changes to the nature of marriage and has failed to think through the consequences or consult properly,” they write.
Fast growing
Signatories represent large, fast growing groups, such as Elim Pentecostal church and Evangelical Alliance’s “One People Commission,” which claims to have at least one million members.
The Rev Yemi Adedeji, director of the One People Commission, accused the government of side lining the views of minority groups to fulfil the demands of a “white, liberal elite.”
“This is a very specialised definition of equality within the context of a particular liberal, north London world view,” he said.
Revd Adedeji added: “That is not equality for the major migrant communities who want to go out and vote and be part of the future of the country.
“We are saying ‘have you really consulted these people?’”
“That is going to be a major challenge for the Conservative party in the next election.”
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