a catholic with guts

By Diogenes ( articles ) | Dec 07, 2006

I'd been led to believe that only in America could a Christian politician make public mention of his religion. Canadian Kathy Shaidle quotes MP Pierre Lemieux addressing the federal parliament on the same-sex marriage debate.

The Church also teaches, unchangingly, that marriage is a covenant in which husband and wife express their mutual love, and join with God in the creation of a new human person, destined for eternal life.

Eternal life? Did someone say eternal life? Clearly this man hasn't been listening to his neighbors at the Catholic Alliance for the Common Good. When was the last time you heard the following consideration advanced in a public arena (or in a homily at your own parish, for that matter)?:

I also remind my fellow MPs that our time as an MP is short -- even when we think it is long -- and that when we cease to be MPs, sadly we will likely be forgotten by our fellow man -- but not by God, who knows each of us intimately. If God Himself is truly the author of marriage, then let us be able to give a good account of ourselves when we stand before Him, as we all must stand before Him.

Lemieux seems heedless of the danger of Canada's becoming a theocracy:

I will be voting in favour of the traditional definition of marriage for us, for my children, for the children of our country. I ask all MPs in this House to join me in voting to defend and promote the traditional definition of marriage.

You'll remember that Lemieux's fellow MP and fellow Catholic Father Raymond Gravel announced his intention to vote against the traditional marriage initiative. His bishop believes in celebrating diversity.