September 25, 2002

The Honourable Jean Chretien,
Prime Minister of Canada
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington St.
Ottawa, Ontario. K1A 0A2

Dear Prime Minister Chretien,

On behalf of the congregations, pastors and deacons of Lutheran Church–Canada, a church body representing some 80,000 members, I register our support for the government’s decision to appeal the decision of the Ontario Divisional Court ordering that the definition of marriage be amended to include same-sex couples. I also commend the decision to seek the opinions of the citizens of our country. In that regard, Lutheran Church–Canada registers its opposition to the Divisional Court ruling and hereby states its understanding and definition of marriage.

We believe that marriage is a lifelong union between one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others. This definition is based upon the orders of creation established by God Himself (Genesis 2:24-25.) It is a definition that our Synod reaffirmed only this year at its national convention held June 6-10th in Kitchener, Ontario: Resolution 02.1.08, “To Reaffirm the Scriptural Definition of Marriage.” (Copy included.)

This definition, held universally by the Christian church, corresponds to natural and moral law witnessed in the fact that all major religions share a similar position regarding the definition of marriage and the family. This reality must not be overlooked by those who are providing leadership in our multicultural society. It is a position that reaches beyond the Christian community.

To shed further light on our church’s position, I have included a copy of an “Opinion on the Ontario Divisional Court Decision regarding the Definition of Marriage,” prepared for the church by Dr. John Stephenson, the chairman of Synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations. I trust you will find it helpful.

Please be assured of the continued prayers of our church for you and for the government of Canada.

Cordially,

Rev. Dr. Ralph Mayan, president
Lutheran Church–Canada

cc Mr. Martin Cauchon
Minister of Justice and Attorney General