1 December 2008
English Catholics reject Vatican homophobia
A new leaflet produced by the Catholic Church in England and Wales
urges priests and churchgoers to be respectful and welcoming towards
lesbian and gay people.
It also acknowledges and rejects the "oppression" suffered by
homosexuals; and suggests that Catholics "express appreciation for the
gifts that homosexual Catholics bring to their faith community."
Catholic traditionalists have condemned the leaflet's liberal message
and accused the English and Welsh Church of defying Vatican orthodoxy.
"This leaflet is a welcome, positive initiative which will bring great
comfort to gay Catholics and their families. Its sympathetic,
understanding message is a big improvement on the stern,
uncompromising homophobia of most Vatican pronouncements on
homosexuality," said Peter Tatchell of OutRage!, the UK lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender human rights campaign.
"Its liberal stance has provoked condemnation from traditionalist,
conservative Catholics. They denounce the leaflet as a maverick,
renegade move by the English and Welsh Catholic Church, acting in
defiance of Vatican orthodoxy," said Mr Tatchell.
"This leaflet challenges these outdated, bigoted attitudes. It
reflects the growing acceptance of loving, loyal, long-term same-sex
relationships by grassroots Catholics."
English Catholics reject Vatican homophobia
A new leaflet produced by the Catholic Church in England and Wales
urges priests and churchgoers to be respectful and welcoming towards
lesbian and gay people.
It also acknowledges and rejects the "oppression" suffered by
homosexuals; and suggests that Catholics "express appreciation for the
gifts that homosexual Catholics bring to their faith community."
Catholic traditionalists have condemned the leaflet's liberal message
and accused the English and Welsh Church of defying Vatican orthodoxy.
"This leaflet is a welcome, positive initiative which will bring great
comfort to gay Catholics and their families. Its sympathetic,
understanding message is a big improvement on the stern,
uncompromising homophobia of most Vatican pronouncements on
homosexuality," said Peter Tatchell of OutRage!, the UK lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender human rights campaign.
"Its liberal stance has provoked condemnation from traditionalist,
conservative Catholics. They denounce the leaflet as a maverick,
renegade move by the English and Welsh Catholic Church, acting in
defiance of Vatican orthodoxy," said Mr Tatchell.
"This leaflet challenges these outdated, bigoted attitudes. It
reflects the growing acceptance of loving, loyal, long-term same-sex
relationships by grassroots Catholics."
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