Well done, U.S. Bishops

Catholic New Times, Feb 8, 2004 by Dennis Roddy

(U.S. Bishops on why homosexual marriage, is a contradiction, CNT, Jan 4/04). I have thought long and hard about same sex relationships and have to say that CNT has provided strong and well-argued articles supporting both sides of the debate. I was forced to rethink my objections to homosexuality (yes, I came with a biased viewpoint), and to see these in a fundamental light. The Bishops put it all in beautiful perspective!

When I read the distortions of natural law that are put forward as arguments to justify homosexuality I am reminded of the stanza by Alexander Pope:

Vice is a monster of so frightful mien, As, to be hated, needs but to be seen; Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face, We first endure, then pity, then embrace.

Gays and lesbians should be willing to accept that others do not approve of their lifestyle, without wanting to pillory them for what they see as intolerance. If government decides to confer "civil rights and benefits" to same sex couples, no problem, they pay their taxes like most of us. And none of us have the standing to pass moral judgment on the sexual preferences' of others, but this is not the same thing as having to embrace these. Self-judgment will come soon enough for all of us and we will have a clear picture then of what was sinful in our own lives.

Dennis Roddy, Thunder Bay, Ont.