After large controversy in the Catholic community about the sanctity of gay marriage, Archbishop John J. Myers, published a letter where he defends his stand against it. In this letter, he states his belief that homosexuality in itself is not a sin, but acting upon ones homosexual tendencies is. He strongly believes that it is not natural for two men, or two women to share a sexual relationship. "Two men or two women cannot come together in any bodily way that tends towards a single biological good. They may be seeking mutual pleasure, but pleasure is only a good when it is taken in something independently good." After stating what he feels are facts about marriage, he continued to elaborate that any Catholic that feels strongly towards the legalization of gay marriage should withhold from accepting the Holy Communion. This article on the Christian Post explains in more detail his ideas behind this concept.
As a Catholic myself, I was disappointed after reading this article. I believe In God and live by the faith that Jesus included all men and women. Jesus' mission was never to exclude a certain group of people for their beliefs, but instead accept and love them for who they were as an individual. He sat with the prostitutes, tax collectors, and even leapers. I respect Myers' opinion against gay marriage, but what I do not accept is that because I believe that love is blind, and that I should include and accept all people, I cannot accept the body of Christ into my life. I feel it is very hypocritical that a man that is meant to live a life like Jesus Christ is excluding honest and kind men and women for something that is not even under their control.
Wow, I totally agree with you! I was raised a Catholic as well and taught to include everyone. Well, how the heck is this including everyone?! I am ashamed when our faith is misconstrued like this to redefine sin. I believe that the merciful and great God I pray to would not be damning people to hell for love. Whether its man and woman, man and man, woman and woman God loves everyone. By taking a stance against this I feel as though the Archbishop is taking a stance against them which our religion is never intended to do.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your opinion. I am doing homosexuality as my topic as well and I believe that as Catholics we are raised to accept everyone for who they are. Being homosexual should not be viewed as a punishment. It is understandable that homosexuals should refrain from sexual activity because together, they are unable to create children which is what we are called to do with our spouses as Catholics. The idea of homosexuals not being allowed to participate in those actions is similar to not allowing it to happen before marriage strictly because of the idea of reproducing and doing it with the person you love. I do not hold a very strong belief about gay marriage but, i do think it is not morally correct for us to not be allowed to say how we feel and get punished for it. It is not wrong to want the opportunity to marry someone you love. Even though it is not something that is provoked, it does not hurt to keep trying in order to get what you want. Jesus accepted everyone and spent a lot of his time with outcasts and I think that Archbishop Meyers comment was nothing but ignorant and offensive towards homosexuals.
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