Bishops of Los Angeles issue letter reassuring gays in the wake of Prop. 8

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Comments: 28

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony, Archbishop of Los Angeles

Los Angeles, Calif., Dec 6, 2008 / 01:37 pm (CNA).- The bishops of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, led by Cardinal Roger M. Mahony, issued a letter to homosexual Catholics on Friday seeking to ensure them that the Church’s support for Proposition 8 was not meant to diminish their dignity or their membership in the Church. The true aim of the Church’s support, the bishops write, was to “preserve the ordered relationship between man and woman created by God.”

The pastoral letter, which was printed in the archdiocesan paper The Tidings, is written to all homosexual members of the Church as well as the rest of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. According to the bishops, its purpose is to offer reassurance to gays amidst the fallout surrounding Prop. 8’s success that they are “cherished members of the Catholic Church, and that we value you as equal and active members of the Body of Christ.”

The letter then states the reason that the Church supported Prop. 8 was to “resist a legal redefinition of marriage.” “Our support for Proposition 8,” the bishops say, “was in defense of the longstanding institution of marriage understood as the life-long relationship of a man and a woman ordered to the good of the spouses and to the procreation and education of their children.”

But the bishops also state that they are “disappointed that the ballot information about Proposition 8 stated that the purpose of the initiative was ‘to ban gay marriage’" and that “from the very beginning, this was not our purpose.”

Citing the U.N.’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the sacred writings of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, the Los Angeles bishops then make their case for marriage as being universally understood to be between one man and one woman.

“Thus, our faith communities and their sacred writings are in agreement about the application of the term ‘marriage.’ And there are other faith communities which, in their own sacred writings, concur with this understanding. Our faith communities have never understood this term to be applied to other types of relationships between people,” the bishops say.

“These sacred writings and traditions, spanning thousands of years, support the fundamental truth that God created the human family as male and female, sending them forth to be fruitful and multiply. This is the understanding of marriage which has prevailed throughout human history, and has been enacted in the laws of peoples, nations, races and religions everywhere. It is this truth that is at the heart of Proposition 8.”

Addressing the purpose of Prop. 8, the Catholic bishops write that it “was not crafted as a concern for civil rights but as an effort to resist a redefinition of marriage.

“‘Marriage’ is not a merely religious concept, but is so fundamental to human experience that it cannot be redefined legally,” the bishops stress.

The bishops of Los Angeles then address homosexual Catholics’ concerns that the Church’s support for Prop. 8 contained a message about their place within the Church. “Your intrinsic value as human beings and as brothers and sisters continues without change. If we had ever thought that the intent of this proposition was to harm you or anyone in the State of California, we would not have supported it. We are personally grateful for the witness and service of so many dedicated and generous homosexual Catholics. We pledge our commitment to safeguard your dignity.”

Perhaps as a way of offering evidence of this concern, the bishops go on to point out that the Archdiocese of Los Angeles began spiritual and pastoral outreach to homosexuals over 20 years ago.

As the letter nears its conclusion the bishops also express their sadness that “some people who opposed Proposition 8 have employed hurtful and accusatory language, and even threatening actions, against those who voted for Proposition 8.” According to the bishops, these strategies “obscure the basic matter at issue: the preservation of the ordered relationship between man and woman created by God.”

The Catholic leaders of Los Angeles close their pastoral letter by stating their commitment to “find ways to eliminate discrimination against homosexual persons, and to help guarantee the basic rights which belong to each of us.”

The full letter can be read at: http://www.the-tidings.com/2008/120508/homosexuals.htm

Comments: 28

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Maryanne
Pittsburgh 01/29/2009 12:00 AM EST

Why are these Bishops not acting as true Shepherds? We must pray for them. The Bible clearly states a homosexual life leads to a loss of eternal life. Why are they not helping these people by sending them to COURAGE and teaching them that they must lead a life of chastity. The Bible tells us if we see a brother sinning and we do nothing, we will be held accountable. And to whom more is given, more is expected. What are these CA Bishops thinking? And why are they not being faithful to our Lord. They need our prayers as they are risking their eternal life. You cannot love without teaching the truth.

Published by: Joe Lammers
Fort Pierce/FL/USA 01/01/2009 12:34 PM EST

Many of the above posters have it exactly right. The Cardinal should have made it clear in his letter that homosexual acts are mortal sins, and those who engage in them without repenting are endangering their souls.

Published by: Mason
USA 12/12/2008 10:47 AM EST

No teaching on celibacy for those with SSA?

Published by: Lily
SLC, UT 12/11/2008 01:09 AM EST

You know what bugs me? Gays who insist on equal everything, but only as long as they are acknowledged as, ta da, GAY! Equal, but special. Get over yourselves already. Take your action to your bedroom, admit that is what this is all about, and get a life. Oh, by the way, am I special because I'm a straight white woman married to a man and had children? Gee, never thought that was anything to brag about, but I will now!

Published by: David Klemmer
Grand Rapids, MI 12/10/2008 03:04 PM EST

I have never heard of two women and two men being able to pro-create; pro-creation happens only between a man and a woman. In it's most simplest forms, don't gays and lesbians realize that they are here on this earth because they were conceived by their parents, a man and a woman?

Published by: Christopher Lewis
Mt Berry 12/10/2008 02:18 PM EST

y'know what bugs me? All the time I have been studying Catholicism, the point has been made that the Church doesn't define people by their sexuality but rather by their humanity; thus in what I have read, the Church is careful to refer to "homosexual activity" rather than "homosexuality". Or, better yet, the Church calls it "same sex attraction" or something along that line. That way you don't label a person as a "homosexual" because doing so essentially diminishes them to being an exclusively sexual being, thoguh there's more to any human than sexuality. Yet here we have a news article from a Catholic organization, CNA, that refers to this being a letter to "homosexual Catholics." In the actual pastoral letter, there are several appearances of the word "homosexual," specifically in the context of "homosexual people," "parents of homosexual children," "generous homosexual Catholics" and so on. If we are truly about separating the dignity of the human person from urges to committ acts which are defined as homosexual in nature, then that desire is not served when you use "homosexual" as the primary modifier of the word "person," "people," or "Catholic." Would make a lot more sense to say "persons with same sex attraction" or "persons with homosexual inclinations." When you call someone a "homosexual person" you're telling them that you define them primarily by their (disordered) sexual desires rather than by their personhood.

Published by: cynthia
cape cod, ma, usa 12/09/2008 09:36 PM EST

I was going to write an eloquent statement on my view of this whole debacle, however, the simple and plain truth is: We are everywhere and are not going to take it anymore. The closet doors are open and the chapel doors are opening. We will win one door at a time if we have to, but we will win.

After the presidential election, I saw black men cry. They said they were crying because now, when they tell their children they can grow up and be President, the men could really believe it. When I can do the same with my gay nephew, on that day - I will weep too.

Peace from Massachusetts - where equality actually means equality.

Published by: steve
New Jersey 12/09/2008 07:18 PM EST

As I am reading the responses it strikes me that no one responding was actually responding to the arguments. I realized you were reacting emotionally not intellectually. This is indeed sad. I believe you all missed the Bishops point: the dignity of another does not depend on their being admitted or excluded from anything. It rests on the fact that they exist. The truth about marriage has nothing to do with the dignity of a homosexual. The inability to make distinctions (so common to middle ages) makes me think that it is I, and not they, who am living in the dark ages.

Published by: Butch
Rehoboth, DE 12/09/2008 07:50 AM EST

Will no one ever dust off the theology, history, and civil law books to take note of the long history of marriage seen as a civil contract and as a religious sacrament/sacramental? In Europe people marry civilly either before or after a religious wedding. It's a "render to Caesar" thing "all over again"! If the government wants to govern and make money on marriage licenses, so be it! ...the churches can certainly do it as well, just keep it separate, and available to everyone as a civil act. And while I'm at it, have the bishops no time to address the fact, sad as it is, that more marriages (even blessed in church) end in divorce(s) than not! What do they about this?

Published by: anon
california, missouri,USA 12/08/2008 09:33 PM EST

People on both sides of this issue will dismiss this letter. The Cardinal should have saved himself the time.

Published by: Dale
Sacramento 12/08/2008 04:37 PM EST

Rate: Very Good

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles did not intend to support a "ban on gay marriage?" It should have. Such is, by definition, contrary to Christian morality and the revelation of Christ.

Did the Archdiocese of Los Angeles intend the phrase “...cherished members of the Catholic Church, and that we value you as equal and active members of the Body of Christ” to mean that those who practice homosexuality are not in sin and thus in need of repentance? Did the Bishops mean that those who practice homosexuality are in right standing with God?

Do even Bishops have the right to call evil good, and good evil?

Did St. Paul gloss over the grievous sexual sin in the Corinthian Church (not homosexual in nature), or did he forcefully correct it to the salvation of all!?

Any person who with full knowledge and intent practices sexual immorality of any type is not a "member in good standing" of the Church.

Is it compassionate of these Bishops toward homosexuals who desperately need repentance and reconciliation with God, or toward Catholic faithful who struggle to live righteous lives and who crave the clear voice of Truth, to so muddy the waters of that Truth by careful turns of phrase as to in effect abandon wounded and sinful human beings to sin, leaving them without hope, and also thereby to permit sin to infect the entire body?

May God forgive these Bishops for their compromise with evil. Amen.

Published by: James
Tampa/FL 12/08/2008 03:39 PM EST

“Your intrinsic value as human beings and as brothers and sisters continues without change.”-What is this supposed to mean to the 'gay' person as well as the 'straight' man? Are you saying that you would not stand up before Christ for these souls if you knew their feelings might get hurt in the process? Bishop Mahoney, just what is it that you are saying? Do you ever listen to yourself? "If we had ever thought that the intent of this proposition was to harm you or anyone in the State of California, we would not have supported it. We are personally grateful for the witness and service of so many dedicated and generous homosexual Catholics. We pledge our commitment to safeguard your dignity.” Does this really mean what it says? This is hogwash if ever I heard hogwash before. Paul from Los Angeles says it best. We need to love our brothers and sisters with homosexual inclinations speaking to them in the light of the truth for the sake of all our souls. Bishop, please consider retirement so the Diocese of Los Angeles could get a more courageous and faithful leader to have as their shepherd. Your, "vague public relations bla bla”, is serving no one! May God bless you Paul and all our brothers and sisters who too have such a challenging cross to bear.

Published by: Victorian Catholic
Memphis/TN/USA 12/08/2008 03:30 PM EST

But the bishops also state that they are "disappointed that the ballot information about Proposition 8 stated that the purpose of the initiative was 'to ban gay marriage'" and that "from the very beginning, this was not our purpose."

Well, it BETTER be 'our purpose'. These people need to be reminded that Yes, Jesus forgave sins; but He also said 'go AND SIN NO MORE.'

Get with the program.

Published by: Maureen Van Dusen
Binghamton, New York USA 12/08/2008 02:08 PM EST

I wish Cardinal Mahoney had spoken the reality that the Church teaches homosexual sin is wrong. I feel that he did a disservice to those with same-sex-attraction by being so ambiguous.

Published by: Robert
Latin America 12/08/2008 02:19 AM EST

Perhaps the Holy See wouldn't mind supporting a proposition to give the electorate the right to appoint new Popes and Bishops too. The hierarchical system is not democratic at the moment and the public should have the right to have their say.

Published by: Paul Hoffer
Norton, Ohio, USA 12/07/2008 08:29 PM EST

It's unfortunate that Cardinal Mahony and the bishops of Los Angeles choose to send mixed messages to the homosexual Catholics of their diocese. St. Paul makes it clear that fornicators will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Sex outside of marriage regardless of whether it is heterosexual, homosexual, self-gratification, or bestiality is fornication, a mortal sin. Period. It's too bad that the Cardinal remains a coward when it comes to the one issue that the Church should authoritatively teach against~sin.

Another cardinal didn't have a problem talking about the effects of sin and the Church's opposition to it. John Henry Cardinal Newman wrote in his Apologia Pro Vita Sua:

"The Catholic Church holds it better for the sun and moon to drop from heaven, for the earth to fail, and for all the many millions on it to die of starvation in extremest agony, as far as temporal affliction goes, than that one soul, I will not say, should be lost, but should commit one single venial sin, should tell one willful untruth, or should steal one poor farthing without excuse."

Cardinal Mahony-the Church still holds to this truth. When will you start teaching it?

I will keep you in my prayers.

Published by: Doro
Sonoma Co, CA 12/07/2008 06:07 PM EST

“If we had ever thought that the intent of this proposition was to harm you or anyone in the State of California, we would not have supported it."
I'm puzzled...the Church should defend its beliefs in family and marriage only if it is in the mindset of the homosexual life style? What happened to the homosexual act being 'an intrinsic evil’? Perhaps the good Archbishop Mahoney should check with Rome before issuing anymore letters. I'm thankful I'm not in his diocese.

Published by: sharon schmidt
richmond, tx 12/07/2008 12:35 PM EST

These types of articles from our Church leaders are the reason so many Catholics are confused. I don't see how we can have it both ways. The very act of homosexuality is considered a sin. So why are the Bishops and priest dancing around homosexual marriage. Not to mention there certainly will be no children from homosexual marriage.

Published by: Tom Hall
North Wales 12/07/2008 10:10 AM EST

The Vatican is to introduce psychological screening to weed out men with this "defect" prior to ordination, being told that you are intrinsically sinful and defective for how you feel does not square with giving people dignity.

Published by: Joel
Sierra Vista/Arizona/USA 12/07/2008 09:46 AM EST

What a mixed message by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles! Its letter says that their aim is to “preserve the ordered relationship between man and woman created by God.” Marriage only between a man and a woman does that. However, the Archdiocese then says that they are “disappointed that the ballot information about Proposition 8 stated that purpose of the initiative was ‘to ban gay marriage’" and that “from the very beginning, this was not our purpose.”

The Diocese cannot be for marriage only between a man and a woman, and not be for a ban on gay marriages. The Diocese is clearly supporting homosexual unions.

Published by: Luis
Los Angeles 12/07/2008 06:46 AM EST

And the church wonders why the younger generation is so apathetic about catholicism.

Published by: paul andres
los angeles 12/06/2008 11:14 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

as a catholic" gay" male who is trying to live a life worthy of Christ's love for the church, and to follow church teachings,i find this letter to be just another vague public relations bla bla.
If the bishops of Los Angeles really cared about their gay brothers and sisters they would reach out to them with Pontifical supported programs such as Courage. They would be brave enough to speak the truth. Love enough to want us all to be saints. Help us with the sacraments to give us courage to carry this cross. Talk to us about HOLINESS. Pray the rosary with us. That letter is void of any real pastorial care for the homosexual person. It only tries to validate someone who is trapped in the homosexual lifestyle with feel good words that will never inspire someone to seek real change. A priest is another word for father, be one.Take a real interest in your homosexual parishoners,and help us save our souls, you might just save yourself as well.

Published by: Mamie
Los Alamos, NM, USA 12/06/2008 11:10 PM EST

To be fair, shouldn't the California bishops go further and write this pastoral letter to fornicators and adulterers? Given their logic, don't we need to find ways to eliminate discrimination against all fornicators and adulterers?

Published by: v.p
Bakersfield ca 12/06/2008 11:03 PM EST

The problem with the Cardinal Mahoney is I really believe deep down inside he supports gay marriage and would conduct a ceromony himself given the chance. I do not believe he believes in the Church's pro-life position either. I believe really the Cardinal is a sheep in wolve's clothing. I believe he supports most of the hard left positions and he is an advocate of the post christian culture pushed by so many in the secular world. He is just afraid to come outright and admit it

Published by: Maria Trujillo
Plantation/FL/USA 12/06/2008 10:01 PM EST

It is time for Pope Benedict to accept the Archbishop's request for retirement.

Published by: Maryanne
Pittsburgh 12/06/2008 09:41 PM EST

While Cardinal Mahony is correct in that all people are equal in the dignity given to them by our Lord, he leaves out what must be said. That living an active homosexual lifestyle is a grave moril evil that may result in the loss of their eternal lives. If a homosexual wants to marry someone of the same sex, then they are not living in accordance with the dignity God gave them. Cardinal Mahony must teach the the Truth. He is jeopardizing his eternal life if he, as a Shepherd, allows the little ones to go astray and does not teach them the authentic Catholic faith.

Published by: Betsy
USA 12/06/2008 09:33 PM EST

Homosexuality is now condoned by the Catholic Church? I was brought up to believe that it was a grievous sin. The body according to the teaching of the Church is the temple of the Holy Spirit, a dwelling place for God Himself. I am amazed that even in the Church today anything goes.

Published by: Geoffrey
Austin/TX/USA 12/06/2008 03:47 PM EST

I do hope the good bishop also reminded Catholics struggling with homosexual inclinations that translating their orientation into disordered acts, be it in thought word or deed, is intrinsically sinful.

Unfortunately, after browsing through his letter, this seems not to be the case.

Another complaint I have is Cardinal Mahony's statement, "We are disappointed that the ballot information about Proposition 8 stated that the purpose of the initiative was 'to ban gay marriage.' From the very beginning, this was not our purpose."

Not only is this statement blatantly false--gay marriage was deemed legal in California for a certain period of time, and thus any legislation abrogating such an arrangement is by definition a ban--it comes across as detached, condescending, and smug.

I was a proponent of Proposition 8, and I think that the reasons people like myself backed this ballot item are fairly plain and quite obvious; we feel that homosexual acts are either dangerous to the stability of society, an affront to the dignity of marriage, harmful to those who commit them, an abomination to God, or any number of the above.

Essentially, we are not just opposed to same-sex unions of any sort, we are opposed to any legalized sex outside of lifelong marriage between one man and one woman.

That is our true position. Anyone who maintains otherwise is lying to both you and himself.

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