Everybody knows that same-sex marriage and homosexual acts are contrary to Catholic moral teaching.
Yet that same teaching also says that gay and lesbian people must be treated with “respect, sensitivity and compassion.”
As more states pass laws legalising same-sex marriage, more gay and lesbian Catholics are entering into these unions.
This leaves some Catholics feeling caught between two values: church teaching against same-sex marriage and church teaching in favour of compassion.
In Seattle a few months back, for example, many high school students protested the ouster of the vice principal, who was removed for marrying another man.
Most people who oppose same-sex marriage say they do not hate gay people, only that the traditional understanding of marriage is important and perpetually valid.
Other opponents of same-sex marriage invoke the oft-repeated mantra, “Hate the sin, love the sinner.”
If that is so, then why do so many gay people say they feel hatred from members of the church?
Let me suggest a reason beyond the fact that many gays and lesbians disagree with church teaching on homosexual acts: only rarely do opponents of same-sex marriage say something positive about gays and lesbians without appending a warning against sin. Continue reading.
James Martin, SJ, is editor at large of America
Source: America Magazine
Image: Inside Loyola
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