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Polish Catholic Church supports civil partnerships, but not equating them to marriage

24.10.2024 16:30
Cardinal Kazimierz Nycz, Archbishop of Warsaw and a prominent figure in the Polish Catholic Church, has expressed support for enabling civil partnerships, provided they are not equated with marriage.
Cardinal Nycz.
Cardinal Nycz.Photo: Archidiecezja Warszawska/Twitter

He emphasized that the Church will not interfere in the legislative process, but may share its views on the issue.

In an interview with private broadcaster Polsat News, Nycz remarked, "If there is a group of people for whom a civil contract at a registry office is too much, and who want a more easily formed and dissolved partnership, then there should be some tolerance for such views from believers and the Church."

"The Church will not interfere"

The cardinal, who has been the Metropolitan Archbishop of Warsaw since 2007 and was appointed a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, stressed that people should be allowed to form such partnerships, but it is essential to avoid equating them with sacramental or church marriages. "It is important to clearly distinguish between the unbreakable, sacramental marriage and any other form of union. We see a variety of such partnerships across Western Europe," he added.

When asked whether the Church would support the civil partnership bill proposed by Minister of Equality Katarzyna Kotula, Nycz reiterated that the Church might express an opinion but would not interfere in parliamentary legislative work. "That is the role of politicians from various factions," he said.

(jh)

Source: Polskie Radio 24