Call to lobby MPs on gay marriage

They will also be advised to take part in a federal government online survey on the issue.

The new Bishop of Sandhurst, Bishop Leslie Tomlinson, is among five bishops to join Archbishop Denis Hart in signing a pastoral letter to all their Victoria parishes warning against the redefinition of marriage.

Their move was prompted by the two marriage amendment bills now before Federal Parliament and their consideration by a parliamentary committee that includes member for Murray Dr Sharman Stone.

“The church firmly believes that marriage is founded on the wonderful fact of sexual difference and its potential for new life,’’ the letter says.

“Without this there would be no human beings and no future.

“Bringing new human life into the world is founded on the loving union in difference of male and female.

“Children are best nurtured by a mother and father.”

The letter argues that “gay marriage” is impossible because it tries “to cut loose marriage from its grounding in our biological life”.

The bishops claim their concern is for the future of our whole society.

“We ask you to seriously reflect and pray about the ramifications for current and future generations, of legislation which completely redefines marriage,” they say.

“A grave mistake will be made if such legislation is enacted.

“The government cannot redefine the natural institution of marriage, a union between a man and a woman.

“The government can regulate marriage, but this natural institution existed long before there were any governments.

“It cannot be changed at will.”

Member for Indi Sophie Mirabella, who was raised in the Orthodox faith, said last year most of her constituents viewed the institution of marriage as defined by the Marriage Act, that is, “the union of man and a woman, to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life”.