Clifford Longley (30 May) is no doubt correct in thinking that there is much confusion regarding marriage. But does he not add to the confusion when suggesting the Church think of same-sex marriage as “natural” but non-sacramental – as a sort of second best?As recognised by law, same-sex marriage is civil; natural only in the sense that it is conventional. But many same-sex marriages are sacramental before they are civil. For marriage is that Sacrament that is bestowed by the recipients, when their commitment to one another becomes a means of grace. The Church – through its ministers – is only ever a witness to this.Thus I would suggest that same-sex marriages are (often) sacramental before they are civil (recognised by the State) or ecclesial (recognised by