well said, Bishop Tobin.
As the Rhode Island General Assembly prepares to pass “same-sex
marriage” legislation and the Governor scheduled to sign the bill this
afternoon, Bishop Tobin offers the following pastoral letter
to Catholics in Rhode Island. The contents of this letter will be
printed in the May 9, 2013 edition of Rhode Island Catholic Newspaper.
My dear Brothers and Sisters,
Since the legislative approval of “same-sex marriage” in Rhode
Island, a number of people have requested that I offer some guidance on
this development. It is for that purpose that I write at this time. In
particular I wish to invite members of the Catholic Church in Rhode
Island to a moment of prayer and reflection as we respond to this new
challenge of the post-Christian era into which, clearly, we have now
entered.
First, like many others, I am profoundly disappointed that Rhode
Island has approved legislation that seeks to legitimize “same-sex
marriage.” The Catholic Church has fought very hard to oppose this
immoral and unnecessary proposition, and we are most grateful to all
those who have courageously joined us in this effort. When all is said
and done, however, we know that God will be the final judge of our
actions.
As I have emphasized consistently in the past, the Catholic Church
has respect, love and pastoral concern for our brothers and sisters who
have same-sex attraction. I sincerely pray for God’s blessings upon
them, that they will enjoy much health, happiness and peace. We also
offer our prayerful support to families, especially parents, who often
struggle with this issue when it occurs in their own homes.
Our respect and pastoral care, however, does not mean that we are
free to endorse or ignore immoral or destructive behavior, whenever or
however it occurs. Indeed, as St. Paul urges us, we are required to
“speak the truth in love.” (Eph 4:15)
At this moment of cultural change, it is important to affirm the
teaching of the Church, based on God’s word, that “homosexual acts are
intrinsically disordered,” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2357) and
always sinful. And because “same-sex marriages” are clearly contrary to
God’s plan for the human family, and therefore objectively sinful,
Catholics should examine their consciences very carefully before
deciding whether or not to endorse same-sex relationships or attend
same-sex ceremonies, realizing that to do so might harm their
relationship with God and cause significant scandal to others.
Despite this serious regression in the public morality of our state
we need to recognize that there are other major issues that demand our
attention. We must continue to engage our culture, remembering that
Jesus called us to be “the salt of the earth and the light of the
world.” (Mt 5:13-14) Be assured, therefore, that the Catholic Church in
the Diocese of Providence will continue its mission of preaching the
Gospel, advocating for what is right and just, and serving the needs of
our community to the very best of our ability.
Without a doubt this is a time of challenge, even disappointment for
many of us, but it is also an opportunity to be steadfast and
courageous, and to renew our commitment to Christ and His Church. As our
Lord Jesus Christ told us, “In the world you will have trouble, but
take courage, I have conquered the world.” (Jn 16:33)
Dear brothers and sisters, through the intercession of our Blessed
Mother, the Virgin Mary, may God be with you as you continue your
journey of faith, and may He bless you and your families with His finest
gifts, now and always.
+Thomas J. Tobin
Bishop of Providence
No comments:
Post a Comment