No green light for gay marriage from Church

The Holy Synod of the Church of Greece is set to vote unanimously against same-sex marriage legislation at its extraordinary meeting on Tuesday. 

Although the Church's arguments will be presented in strong language in its relevant statement, there appears to be little room for extreme ideas such as protests or measures such as deprivation of Holy Communion for MPs who would vote for the legislation.

The central line, and the view expected to prevail, is that no one will emerge victorious from an open conflict, and that as long as the government appears determined to proceed with the legislation, the Church will do its duty to inform citizens of its positions and, above all, to reassure the faithful that it understands their anxiety and concerns.

A large majority of hierarchs is said to be moving in the logic of a clearly articulated hard line, focusing on the...