Marriage is a sacrament, and the decision of what is a sacrament lies with the Church, not with Parliament.

In this quote, Jacob Rees-Mogg asserts that marriage is a sacrament, meaning it is a sacred religious ceremony that holds spiritual significance. He emphasizes that the authority to define and govern this sacrament should rest with the Church, rather than with Parliament or any secular institution. By doing so, Rees-Mogg is highlighting the tension between religious and political authority in matters of social values and practices, particularly in relation to marriage.

The quote reflects a broader ideological stance held by Rees-Mogg, who is known for his conservative views. He is arguing that the Church, with its religious teachings and doctrine, has the ultimate say over what constitutes a valid marriage in the context of Christian faith. This perspective challenges the more progressive stance of those who believe that Parliament should have the power to legislate on marriage, including the inclusion of same-sex unions.

Rees-Mogg’s position connects to the ongoing debate between secularism and religious tradition in modern politics. In many countries, marriage laws have evolved to reflect changing societal norms, but for some, the sacramental nature of marriage remains a key element of the religious understanding of the union. This quote is rooted in a long-standing debate about the role of religion in public life and the extent to which religious institutions should influence civil policy.

By invoking the concept of sacraments, Rees-Mogg is also aligning himself with a particular theological perspective that regards certain rites as divinely ordained and therefore beyond the jurisdiction of human-made laws. This aligns with his broader conservative views on traditional values, often asserting that such matters should not be subject to the fluidity of political decision-making.