Bishop Tobin says same-sex marriage is ‘spiritually harmful’

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Comments: 10

Providence, R.I., Oct 18, 2006 / 12:00 am (CNA).- Same-sex marriage is not an issue of civil rights, said Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence in a recent letter to the editor.

"There’s never a right to do something wrong," he said. "Human freedom is not unbridled license; it must be grounded in truth."

The bishop’s letter was published Oct. 14 in the Providence Journal, Rhode Island’s largest daily newspaper, after a Rhode Island lesbian couple — Wendy Becker and Mary Norton — was legally married in Massachusetts on Oct. 8, reported NBC 10.

In the letter, the bishop said same-sex marriage is “spiritually harmful to individuals and families and erodes the foundation of society”.

"Homosexual acts are contrary to the law of nature and gravely immoral,” the bishop wrote. “The state has no business encouraging immoral behavior or ratifying illicit unions."

The bishop, however, did not mention the couple by name and said his remarks were not directed at them personally.

“I wish them no harm and I sincerely pray that God will bless them and the children with them with much health and happiness,” the bishop wrote. “Nonetheless, their attempt to have the state ratify their homosexual relationship is disturbing and morally objectionable."

Becker and Norton were the plaintiffs in a case, decided by a Massachusetts superior court judge. The judge ruled that there was nothing in Rhode Island statutes or case law that prevented Rhode Island same-sex couples from being married in Massachusetts. The ruling was issued in September.

The bishop said he hopes Rhode Island would not follow Massachusetts’ lead by legalizing same-sex marriage.

The bishop insisted that marriage is between a man and a woman and explained Catholic teaching on this point.

“Contrary to some current ideologies, this teaching does not discriminate against homosexual persons. The Catholic Church has consistently taught that homosexual persons are children of God, our brothers and sisters, and must be respected,” he wrote.

“Nonetheless, we have to recognize the possibility, sometimes even the necessity, of respecting individuals even while opposing their immoral behavior," he stated.

Comments: 10

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Helen
Scotland 11/16/2006 06:53 PM EST

Dear Matt, I have a particular interest in LGBT issues and feminism. However, I have commented on other issues such as liturgy and ecumenism. I will continue to support the rights of people who love each other, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. We are made in God's image and likeness and totally loved by God. There is no place for misogyny or homophobia in God's Church.

Published by: LvB
MI, USA 11/08/2006 06:54 PM EST

Helen, two homosexuals can't be anything more than good friends. they are not able to be maritally intimate since they don't have the correct bodies. Marital intimacy is only possible between a man and a woman. What homosexuals do is not marital intimacy- it is a sick distortion of it. It is bad for them in every way to engage in this distortion of marital intimacy.

Published by: Robert
Latin America 10/21/2006 02:20 PM EST

God's truths are only known to God Matt. Distorted truths have made us believe the Earth was flat and located in the centre of the Universe in the past. Now you have the audacity to compare homosexuality with bestiality probably because you forget we all are animals, including heterosexuals and you.

Published by: Matt
New York 10/20/2006 12:01 AM EST

Helen, so if it's two peoples relationship, does this mean you support incestuals, like a brother and a sister marrying? or polygamy, since if its in marriage monogamy no longer counts. or beastiality, since homosexuality more closely resembles that than heterosexuality. i suppose you support those as well since it about relationships, but it is not God's Word.

I find it interesting Helen that you only comment on articles dealing with homosexuality and feminisim, and your suppport for both. These are not even close to Catholic teachings and are gravely sinful. I hope and pray you will come to realize God's Truth on the matters.

Published by: Steve
United States 10/19/2006 07:55 AM EST

Helen-
Lets be clear and separate "sex" and "love".We are all called to love on another but sex has a very clear distinct place in human relationships and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what that place is. Sex in the proper context.ie between husband and wife to raise familys, is a very beautifuleven holy and sacred act. Sex outside of that context ojectifies the human body and robs the individual of their dignity.

Published by: Paul
Japan 10/18/2006 09:41 PM EST

Helen, if you accept the moral teaching of the Bible, and most Christian churches, you can understand. If you don't, then your comment is valid.
As for your reasoning, would one could also say
How can 2 people's (same ssx) attemt to live a loving, monogamous relationship outside of marriage... would also apply.

Published by: woodman
Ohio USA 10/18/2006 08:09 PM EST

Real simple: A) no chance to pro-create;
B)goes against 5,000 years of defined marriage C) makes most people's skin crawl

Published by: Robert
Latin America 10/18/2006 07:44 PM EST

Ditto Helen. The Bishop is totally wrong denying love and monogamous relationships. I said all relationships.

Published by: George Angel
Canada 10/18/2006 05:03 PM EST

We truly live in amazing and prophetic times when a Bishop of the Catholic Church has to proclaim the obvious teachings and truths of the Gospel message in a culture that is becoming increasingly hostile to these eternal truths that have stood the test of time. Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence should be thanked and greatly appreciated for bearing public witness to the Gospel message in his letter to the editor in the Providence Journal. Like a good shepherd Bishop Tobin is protecting his flock by proclaiming the Gospel message making them aware of these eternal teachings and truths. In Canada Bishop Fred Henry of the Diocese of Calgary, Alberta is also one such Bishop that is not afraid to proclaim the Gospel message. There are many other Bishops around the world that are also doing the same thing. Catholics the world over should pray for these Bishops that are our shepherds and for the Priests and religious throughout the entire world. Especially pray for Pope Benedict XVI that God protect him from all evil and harm and that he is able to re-evangilise and unite the Church especially in Europe and throughout the entire western world. Pray! Pray! Pray!

Published by: Helen
Scotland 10/18/2006 12:58 PM EST

How 2 people's attempt to live out a loving, monogamous relationship can be described as immoral is beyond me.

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