Earlier this month, Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia urged caution about Martin's message after the priest spoke at a Philadelphia university.
"Father Martin has sought in a dedicated way to accompany and support people with same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria. Many of his efforts have been laudable, and we need to join him in stressing the dignity of persons in such situations," Archbishop Charles Chaput wrote in a Sept. 19 column published on his archdiocesan website.
"At the same time, a pattern of ambiguity in his teachings tends to undermine his stated aims, alienating people from the very support they need for authentic human flourishing. Due to the confusion caused by his statements and activities regarding same-sex related (LGBT) issues, I find it necessary to emphasize that Father Martin does not speak with authority on behalf of the Church, and to caution the faithful about some of his claims," Chaput added.
Martin responded to Chaput's column, thanking the archbishop for his careful tone and for encouraging people to not engage in "ad hominem" attacks.
The priest said that he is always careful to not challenge Church teaching on matters of sexual morality in his writings and talks, but argued that one reason he does not focus on "same-sex relations and same-sex marriage, which I know are both impermissible (and immoral) under church teaching, is that LGBT Catholics have heard this repeatedly. Indeed, often that is the only thing that they hear from their church."
Chaput said in response that he appreciates Martin's "typically gracious comments," but he does not think they change the need for his column.
Hannah Brockhaus is Catholic News Agency's senior Rome correspondent. She grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and has a degree in English from Truman State University in Missouri.
