Bishop says same-sex marriage law 'cannot change' Christian understanding

A new law allowing same-sex marriage "cannot change" the Christian understanding of the word, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Shrewsbury has said in letter to congregations in Rochdale.

The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill received Royal Assent on 17 July.

The Right Reverend Mark Davies said the bill was a "seismic shift" away from the UK's Christian foundations.

Under the terms of the bill, religious organisations will have to "opt in" to offering weddings.

In the letter, the bishop said that "in contrast to the new law, Christian teaching holds that marriage is a lifelong faithful union of a man and a woman, ordained by God for the creation of the family and future generations".

"The legislation does not, and cannot, change our understanding of marriage."