 
February 2010
14:26 GMT-05:00
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St. Louis Archbishop responds to gay rights protest outside cathedral
 Archbishop Robert J. Carlson
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.- In a statement Monday, Archbishop Robert J. Carlson of St. Louis responded to a demonstration held outside the city's cathedral by a gay rights group protesting the use of archdiocesan funds to defend traditional marriage in Maine. Catholics have an obligation to “carry out Christ's teachings, whether in the privacy of our own home or in the public square,” stated the prelate on the Archdiocese of St. Louis website. On Sunday, gay rights organization Show Me No Hate protested the donation of $10,000 that the Archdiocese of St. Louis made to the “Yes on 1” campaign in Portland, Maine earlier this year. The initiative, which supported traditional marriage between a man and a woman, was voted on and passed during the mid-term elections. According to The Vital Voice, Show Me No Hate has accused the Archdiocese of St. Louis of misusing the funds, saying the Church has neglected the poor, sick and homeless in the city by donating the money to a campaign against gay “marriage.” The organization plans to rally outside the cathedral every Sunday for the duration of the season of Advent. “Following Christ's teaching on marriage does not mean we neglect the poor,” stated Archbishop Carlson in response to the accusations. “In fact, no other private institution in the world does as much for the sick and poor as the Catholic Church.” Archbishop Carlson explained that the funds used for the “Yes on 1” campaign were discretionary, provided by private gifts and sent in response to the request of the Archdiocese of Maine. The archbishop also mentioned that “Yes on 1” succeeded despite the fact that same-sex “marriage” supporters had outraised the campaign by almost $2 million. The Church “always tries to follow the teachings of Jesus in welcoming all people,” and “does not believe in discrimination” said the archbishop in his statement on Monday. He then made reference to the fact that the Archdiocese of St. Louis is currently the largest private contributor to Doorways, an organization that provides services for those living with HIV/AIDS. The archbishop explained, however, that this “does not mean we can change Christ's teaching on the nature of marriage” and added that Catholics have the obligation to “carry out Christ's teachings, whether in the privacy of our own home or in the public square.” “Separation of church and state means that the government cannot favor a particular faith,” continued the prelate. “It does not mean that faith-filled people lose their right to speak out publicly and engage in the political process.” When it comes to serving the poor and supporting traditional marriage, Archbishop Carlson added that “it's not an either/or choice when it comes to Christ's teachings. As Catholics, we are called to live and teach them all.” Subscriber comments:
Published by: John
Saint Louis 12/15/2009 09:15 AM EST
This is a bizarre issue. I agree that the church should be in the business of defending its marriage ceremony but why should it be concerned with secular, civil contracts? state "marriage" is most certainly NOT a religious or spiritual issue, it is only a civil contract that has no bearing on how the catholic church carries out their brand of religious marriage. I see no reason why the catholic church (which I belong to) should be involved in this legal, contractual issue.
-John
23 years old
23 years being a catholic
18 years in catholic school
6 year catholic charity volunteer
Notre Dame Scholar
Published by: Catherine
Medford, MA 12/04/2009 04:39 PM EST
People keep harping on separation of church and state. Read the Constitution. "Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof". Nowhere in the Constitution does it make reference to religion not having a role in the government. It simply states that the government can not have a role in religion. We can not have a state sponsored "Church of America".
The Catholic Church is the largest single charity in the entire world. But their role is not only to feed, clothe, are provide for physical needs. Their most important role is to provide for the spiritual needs of people. That includes trying to keep them from sin and ensuring them a place a heaven.
Published by: Scout's Honor
Kansas City, Missouri, USA 12/02/2009 07:26 PM EST
May God bless this righteous and holy man and hold him in his arms in heaven. The sooner, the better.
Published by: Christine
Toledo,OH USA 12/01/2009 09:47 PM EST
Praise the Lord we must really pray for those who are not devout and take God's precepts seriously. I pray they go to the Lord and ask for his healing love to permeate their souls and stop this immature nonsense of wanting to get married. Only a man and woman are designed by God to be married and the great gift from God to be spiritually one together. God will not ever allow such a gift to begiven to some one who mocks the same body God has given them and their so-called partners. Praise the Lord for Holy Boldness Thank you Archbishop for following the Lord's will. May you be blessed and protected by God's best Heavenly Angels. Thanks for speaking for those who do not have a voice to speak the truth about satan's lies and deception of same sex unions and deep n their hearts they know the Catholic Church is telling the truth God Bless you always
Published by: Maggie
PA 12/01/2009 08:59 PM EST
Here are a few teachings from Church Fathers on the matter of homosexuality:
Tertullian, the great apologist of the Church in the second century, writes: “All other frenzies of lusts which exceed the laws of nature and are impious toward both bodies and the sexes we banish… from all shelter of the Church, for they are not sins so much as monstrosities.” (Tertullian, De pudicitia, IV)
Saint Augustine is categorical in the combat against sodomy and similar vices. The great Bishop of Hippo writes: “Sins against nature, therefore, like the sin of Sodom, are abominable and deserve punishment whenever and wherever they are committed." (Rom. 1:26). (St. Augustine, Confessions, Book III, chap. 8)
Saint John Chrysostom writes: “All passions are dishonorable, for the soul is even more prejudiced and degraded by sin than is the body by disease; but the worst of all passions is lust between men… There is nothing, absolutely nothing more mad or damaging than this perversity.” (St. John Chrysostom, In Epistulam ad Romanos IV)
Published by: Ted
New Jersey USA 12/01/2009 08:29 PM EST
Once again those culture of death forces are attempting to bully and shove down our throats their immoral, perverted views and legalize an institutions that promotes family and a strong civilization. What's next after Gay Marriage is legalized - people being able to marry animals - open relationships with minors and then lowering the legal ages to marry - family members begining to marry each other - how sick and perverted will society sink without God. Repent America - return to the faith of your fathers before it is too late. When God finally has had enough woe to those who have rejected him and his Ten Commandments.
Published by: Kevin
Oakland/CA/USA 12/01/2009 05:18 PM EST  Rate: Regular
" He then made reference to the fact that the Archdiocese of St. Louis is currently the largest private contributor to Doorways, an organization that provides services for those living with HIV/AIDS."
The Catholic Church loves gays when they are dying, sick, can be infantilized or treated like a problem. Its when gays and lesbians are trying to live that the Church has a problem with them.
Published by: Stephen
USA 12/01/2009 04:59 PM EST
Archbishop Carlson is right on when he says no private institution in the world does more for the sick and poor than the Catholic Church. In all the Catholic Church also provides one quarter or 25% of all the Aids and HIV care and relief on the entire planet. That's much more than any major nation on this earth. Some of the greatest hospitals and universities were in fact founded by the Holy Roman Catholic Church.
Published by: Roberta G.
Los Angeles/CA/USA 12/01/2009 04:55 PM EST Rate: Excellent
Thanks be to God for Bishop Carlson. Marriage is not only about two people; it has always included the likelihood of new life—their offspring. Children have a right to a mother and a father. Men and women have complementary responsibilities in creating children and nurturing them in their development. This has always been the case. Stephanie K's argument is wrong because the genders are in many ways unequal. She is making an appeal to emotion argument. But intelligent men and women will not bite. Human beings have equal dignity but they are not all the same. In the case of homosexuality, studies show that very few people have same-sex attraction. As the Church teaches, natural law and revelation see this attraction as an objective disorder. Ears are made to hear, eyes are made to see, and legs are made to walk. Our bodily nature has a purpose. Didn't Jesus cure the deaf, the blind, and the lame? We need to have compassion for people who have this attraction while protecting marriage and the family—the basic building blocks of society. Broken marriages and abandoned children have already led to a diminished society. Let's stand for marriage with our bishops.
Published by: Ron
Longmont CO USA 12/01/2009 04:22 PM EST
God is one One who instituted marriage between a man and woman, who designed the procreation process. Out of this union, like the Holy Trinity, comes forth love, in the form of a new soul.
Published by: Mary
Mankato, MN 12/01/2009 04:04 PM EST
Thanks be to God for Bishop Carlson. May his numbers increase!
Published by: Francis
Wareham Ma 12/01/2009 03:57 PM EST
Homosexuality is not a "civil right"!! Neither is marriage. Marriage has been defined by the Church and the civil authorities for millenia(ie marriage is only between one man and one woman, polygamy is unlawful,etc). True civil rights come from God and natural law. Homosexuality is no more of a "civil right" than adultery or abortion are. All of these things are contrary to the laws of God and nature!
Published by: DLL
scituate Mass 12/01/2009 03:47 PM EST
Physical and spiritual poverty go hand in hand in creating an atmosphere of despair. Despair is a poor moral situation as it creates orphans of instability when relationships are not what they are supposed to be. Only a Marriage between a committed mother and father create the proper relationship where children can truly grow up properly. Relationships outside of marriage and homosexual ones as well are inappropriate for the proper spiritual growth of young children. Spiritual poverty is as real as any physical poverty and the Church should invest donated money in in ways to fight both of these kinds of poverty. Morality is worth the investment of the Church with its time and money,as politically it is obliged to fight for positions where faith in God is the standard for universal truth,as understood in the teachings of Jesus Christ. We must abide in faith and obedience to God above all as God is truth.
Published by: Veronica
New York 12/01/2009 03:30 PM EST
All respondents Pray to the Holy Spirit first then speak and write commentary in Support of God's teachings. Mankind continuously distorts God's teaching. God said a Man shall leave his parents and cling to his wife. The Blessed couple spiritually, physically and emotionally attaches and becomes 1 flesh in the Holy Union of Marriage designed by God. A Sacred Act or a Sacrament. No other union whether homosexual or heterosexual can attain this unless God calls the 2 people together in the bonds of Holy Matrimony and they live in accord with Teachings of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. Our Bishops and Priests are the decendents of the Apostles and disciples of Jesus. God gave them the authority to Preach the Truth and to go forth even in these difficult times we live in now or any past times; when people didn't agree with the Truth,set before them by God in the Old and New Testament. In each of the Testaments we read of the weakenesses of mankind. We the Laity stand on the Word and Actions of God.
Jesus said, " we will always have the poor." We will always support the poor. But we can't stop supporting in prayer, funds and efforts to teach the Truth of God. Please Stand up all Bishops and Priests and know you have the support of the faithful believers of these times. May God Grant You All Necessary Graces to Fulfill this Holy Ordination. May God Bless the Believing Laity into the Action of Love, Support and funds to share the Truth with the unlearned of these time
Published by: Joseph Aubin
Plattsburgh,N.Y. Clinyon,Co. 12/01/2009 03:13 PM EST
The Archbishop is to be lauded for defendingd his rihgt to speak out on moral matters. The gay moment does not define morality.
Published by: gooski7
VA 12/01/2009 02:49 PM EST
No one has the right to that which is immoral.
Published by: Jeremy Bosch
E St Louis 12/01/2009 01:32 PM EST Rate: Bad
If you are in favor of equal rights for all, don't donate to the catholic bishops as it could end up being used for things like this. Donate instead to Catholic Charities, etc., or to a specific fund in your parish that cannot be diverted to the bishop.
Published by: Doug
san diego 12/01/2009 01:30 PM EST Rate: Excellent
The Catholic Church has it right - following Jesus is not a social club. Those social fads of the day have no bearing on the teachings of Christ.
The Episcopal Church is leading the way in how NOT to be a Christ-based religion. It may be making some feel better about themselves, but is not helping those same people head toward Heaven.
Odd that some "churches" have given up on the notion of salvation - what used to be their reason for existence.
Published by: Maryanne Linkes
Pittsburgh 12/01/2009 01:28 PM EST Rate: Excellent
Thank you Archbishop Carlson. St. Louis received another great Shepherd. I was so sad when Archbishop Burke was called to the Vatican because of the loss to the archdiocese. But Archbishop Carlson is a faithful Shepherd! The Church, which is the Bride of Christ, must always preach the Truth - the teachings of Christ!
Published by: George Kadlec
Green Valley, AZ 12/01/2009 12:57 PM EST
I always like hearing the truth and the Archbishop is right on!
Some Chesterton quotes, I believe, would be appropriate.
"I believe in getting into hot water; it keeps you clean."
“I want a church that moves the world not one that moves with it”
“There are an infinite number of ways to fall, but there is only one way to stand.”
“Take away the supernatural and what remains is the unnatural”
Published by: Gavin
Ontario 12/01/2009 12:26 PM EST
Awesome and well thought out response by a fiery Church leader. It is strikingly the same as John 12:1-8 (verse 5), where Judas Iscariot questions why the perfume was not sold for money to help the poor. But Jesus corrects him saying that the poor will always be there, but they will not have Our Lord always.
This is a perfect example of the devil trying to play on the priorities of good duties in an attempt to confuse us.
Vivat Jesus!
Published by: Leonard Morin
Albuquerque NM 12/01/2009 12:16 PM EST Rate: Bad
Helping the poor is a fallacy. I asked for assistance one time and was told that the church was not set up to help individuals in time of need.
Published by: Joe Bruce
Seattle/WA/USA 12/01/2009 12:15 PM EST
Homosexuals are free to live as they choose.
But they may not call their partnerships marriage because it is a qualitatively different thing.
2 men is not the same as a man and woman in marriage. Any 1st grader can see that.
It is so clear. If you cannot see it you need to pray and ask questions and have a humble heart and an open mind because the facts are undeniable.
Published by: AKL
St. Louis, MO 12/01/2009 10:21 AM EST Rate: Regular
Just think the monies could be better used.
Published by: sherri
Michigan 12/01/2009 10:18 AM EST
I dont understand what part of No the gays do not get??? I do not hate gays but OUR CHURCH is clear on marriage Man and Women. If they do not like this, take it up with GOD he states it clear in scripture!!!!!!!!
Published by: Noreen
Dallas, TX 12/01/2009 09:08 AM EST
God bless you Archbishop Calson. Continue to speak the truth in and out of season.
Published by: Matthew W
Lees Summit/MO/USA 11/30/2009 11:41 PM EST Rate: Excellent
Love without truth is cruelty. Our Church is not "anti" gay or "hateful". We are called to love everyone right where they're at. We're then all called to conversion and holiness. We're not called to affirm anyone in their sinfulness; not if we have any care whatsoever for their soul.
Labeling a same-sex union a marriage, does not make it so anymore than labeling abortion a choice speaks truth. The child receives no choice. Likewise, we are not accurately understanding what marriage is in this discussion. Marriage is a sacrament, a blessed union between man, woman and God, made freely with a lifelong commitment of fidelity and with the openness to be fruitful.
Labeling a same sex union "marriage" is a contradiction in terms. It would be unjust to call it such. It would be to the detriment of the fundamental building block of a society, the family. It would be a lie.
John Paul the Great's Theology of the Body is a beautiful exposition on the heavenly reality of marriage. This theological reality points out how married men and women essentially lie with their bodies if the sexual act is not open to life, even within the confines of marriage. Why? Because we become nothing more than objects to one another. We are not meant to be used as objects. We are to be freely given at all time just as Christ to His Church.
Gender means something within this reality.
God bless you all and may Mary pray for all of us sinners.
Published by: le pelerin
hilliard OH 11/30/2009 11:21 PM EST
I just love Archbishop Carlson and his common sense. May God reward him greatly and protect him from fanatics.
Published by: Tim
Duluth, MN 11/30/2009 10:43 PM EST Rate: Excellent
As Catholics, we believe that the Holy Sacraments are an outward sign of the presence of Jesus. It just so happens that one of these Holy Sacraments is the institution of marriage. Well, the outward sign is the presence of Jesus at the first miracle brought forth by the request of Jesus' mother Mary at the wedding feast. The wedding feast is a prefigurement of the wedding feast of the Lamb in relation to the Lamb's bride, the Church(New Jerusalem). Read your Catechisms. There is just too many gifts of Holy Marriage as originated by God and leading to the wedding feast of the Lamb to be rewritten by us creatures to be nothing else but a contradiction to God's will. May we only hope that the Church and it's shepards continue to lead the faithful to the goodness and Holiness that this Blessed Sacrament brings. May God be with you Archbishop Carlson.
Published by: JLS
Riverside, CA, USA 11/30/2009 10:06 PM EST
Glory to God for Archbishop Carlson's wisdom, charity, and obediance to Jesus Christ!!!
Published by: Matt
TX 11/30/2009 10:05 PM EST
Thank God for Archbishop Carlson and all those Bishops who sent money to stand up for marriage. Good try by the gay activists trying to take over the comment section. We will never stop defending marriage as defined by God.
Published by: Michael Robiolio
Darlington, WI 11/30/2009 09:58 PM EST
All of the previous comments are missing the point. The Catholic church has the duty not only to help provide for the physical needs of those whom it may (which is even more the duty of each of us laity), but the even more important duty of leading in truth. Such an act as contributing to Maine's vote was in this arena correct. Marriage is and has always been a unique union between the biologically complementary man and woman for 1. the benefit of the spouse and 2. the openness to procreation. Homosexuality does not meet that. Homosexuals are free to marrry, but must do so in a heterosexual marriage (which is redundant since marriage is heterosexual). There is NO hate here; it is what it is. To deny it, is to hate, for you deny the truth of God, and facilitate the falsehood that homosexual activity is OK. If you are Catholic, then you should know that the Catholic Church IS THE BODY OF CHRIST and source of truth!
Published by: Graham Combs
USA 11/30/2009 09:56 PM EST
If the above are faithful Catholics, I hope they will not be surprised when bishops and priests are sued and/or indicted for refusing to marry men and men and women and women. In publishing, in law school, and in the work place, I waited in vain to hear gays and their supporters say how much they love the Church and are pained only by her belief that marriage is a sacrament intended for love AND procreation. Anthony Romero and the ACLU have put a target on the back of the Church. There is no love there, no tolerance, no respect for the LIfe, Death, and Resurrection of Christ which is at the heart of the Church. I've been an Episcopalian. You are more likely to hear about "green living" than living by the Gospel. Those of us who have heard what activists say when they think no one is listening are not fooled by the rhetoric of social justice, freedom, equality, and tolerance. Too often have I endured the slander and hatred for the Church by activists. And I have yet to meet a PRO-LIFE gay activist. I weary of the sneering about "fetus fetishes" and "family values." You are not fooling this Catholic. And I am waiting to hear the Human Rights Campaign express their outrage with the priest abuse scandal. Instead, you hear cheap jokes about what a "cute couple Bishop Gene Robinson and Jesus would make." This contemptuous statement from the producer of WILL AND GRACE. Not the apology that is as much required from the HRC as the Church. WHY ARE YOU LYING?
Published by: psalm
Detroit/MI/USA 11/30/2009 09:52 PM EST
"If you don’t agree with marriage equality, don’t marry someone of the same sex!"
This is a fallacious argument. How about "If you don't like incestuous marriage, then don't marry your parent or sibling" Why not argue that? or "If you don't like polygamy, don't marry more than one person" These arguments are similar to the fallacious "If you don't like abortion, don't have one" argument. In reality the latter means "If you don't like killing innocent children, don't have an abortion."
These fallacious arguments assume things they need to prove. Also, when it comes to multiple acceptable interpretations of the Bible? Huh? That's a self refuting proposition. Let me guess.. there is no truth and all religions are equal. I hope you aren't going there.
Published by: gus
santa clara,ca usa 11/30/2009 09:46 PM EST
The church must continue to defend the truth about marriage as being between a man and a woman. This has been our faith and our truth for over 2,000 years. It seems like these extreme gay activists want to covert every american to their lifestyle. The church is constantly being attacked, but she will persevere because Christ said so.
As catholics, we should stand behind our church whether is convenient or inconvenient. In doing this, we will truly bring the light of christ to others. The light saves and reveals the truth. The easy way out for a lot of people is to give into the evils of today.
Published by: Giuseppe the So Called Catholic
St. Louis, MO 11/30/2009 08:48 PM EST Rate: Bad
Archbishop Carlson is correct when he cites the commendable record of the Catholic Church and Catholic organizations when it comes to leadership in social justice, poverty alleviation and civil rights issues. This is why I am proud to be a Catholic. But he is wrong, wrong, wrong to waste the money of the Archdiocese on hateful campaigns to deny the rights of the GLBT community. $10,000 is nothing to sneeze at and could have gone a long way in the St. Louis area to help those in need. The Archbishop should use a little more discretion and sensitivity to those around him who are currently doing without food, shelter and warm clothing. Archbishop Carlson should continue his support for the laudable efforts of his Church to fight for social justice. At the same time, he should go out and meet these same people that he wishes denied basic human rights. He needs to have supper with committed gay and lesbian couples, hear their stories, witness their genuine love, and get down on the floor and play with their children, many of who were adopted out of horrific situations. Perhaps this will bolster his compassion towards those he so glibly condemns.
Report Abuse
Published by: jonesmunoz
east ELMHURST/NY/USA 11/30/2009 08:43 PM EST Rate: Bad
A sad excuse to say "discretionary" funds, Most private individuals who donate to "discretionary" funds believe that those monies will be used to help a family out of a shelter, feed the hungry, or save the abused. They don't expect those funds to be used for political purposes that may be in conflict with legal codes. The purpose of the principle of separation of church and state is a two way street, and neither should affect the other. not just when it is convenient. Maybe this is an opportunity for those who question the conservative hierarchy of Roman Catholic Church to look at the Episcopal Church who has historical differences of Marriage Equality, Divorce, and Women's Rights.
Published by: David
who cares 11/30/2009 08:37 PM EST Rate: Regular
Since gay marriage is legal in several states, there is nothing to be gained by putting gay marriage inside quotation marks. If you're in love with quotation marks, why not put "straight editor" inside quotation marks and see how it looks to you, just as a test.
Published by: Jamie Dunn
Knoxville/TN/USA 11/30/2009 08:00 PM EST Rate: Bad
As a life-long Catholic, I find it horrifying the Church continues the anit-gay campaign they have thrown themselves into.
Given the global campaign of raping children living in every part of God's Earth, they to need to examine their internal problems before terrorizing others.
Published by: Stephanie K.
W. Kansas, USA 11/30/2009 07:23 PM EST Rate: Regular
This to me is a non-issue. If you don’t agree with marriage equality, don’t marry someone of the same sex! As a school teacher, I don’t ever recall reading/citing the words..."with liberty and justice for ALL” and seeing the word, “except.” Separate but equal does not, has not and should not work! We can not “eenie meenie miney moe” through our neighborhoods and point to who is allowed marriage or not. Many read the Bible more literally, others more metaphorically (or more emphasis on legalism rather than love), however each should be respected. We also need to take cultural, as well as historical, perspectives into consideration when reading the Bible. Yes our country was founded on Christianity, however many would argue it was also found on slavery and without woman’s rights. We are a Nation continually moving in the direction of Justice! Lastly, if we want “traditional” marriage we must be careful in using the Bible as a reference. In Biblical days men had multiple wives and usually treated them as property and baby bearers only. Lot had sex with his daughters. We cannot use the Bible (or certain parts of it that are convenient) to set our moral compass with regards to sexuality or just certain relationships. As a Christian and American, I am for equality, love, and acceptance for all human life. God bless you, see you in heaven. - Stephanie
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