Petition to Pope Francis : Change Church LGBTQI Language
We Are Church Ireland Petition to Pope Francis ahead of World Meeting of Families in Dublin in August 2018.
Note:The Irish Laity is exploding loud and clear, in no unmistable terms, literally “making a mess”(to use the phrase suggested by Francis) for the Irish hierarchy, defending the cause of the humiliated LGBTQI community in their midst.
LGBTQI is the short form for: Lesbian; Gay; Bisexual; Transgender; Queer; Intersex. Jesus never spoke a word against Gay people, nor is there any incriminating statements like “Objectively disordered? Intrinsically evil?” in the Gospels. Yet these are abusive judgmental language constantly coming out from the mouth of the hierarchical leadership.
The Irish laity want this abominable practice to be stopped forthwith. To achieve this goal they have launched a Petition to Pope and a signature campaign in view of his visit to Dublin Aug.25-26, for the World Meet of Families. So please read this Petition below carefully and sign your support for their noble cause.
Another detailed editorial on this Irish Venture: “Irish laity tell Pope” is published simultaneously in the CCV. james kottoor, editor, CCV.
We feel it is imperative for us to boldly speak out against Catholic Church officials' continued insistence on calling the LGBTQI community’s “inclinations” as “objectively disordered” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2358), or even worse, “ordered toward an intrinsic moral evil” (Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Person, 1986).
The Catholic Church’s formal language to describe our LGBTQI sisters and brothers makes the institutional Church complicit in the marginalisation of LGBTQI people. Under the guise of religion and faith, the Church models intolerance, breeds prejudices, and attempts to justify discrimination. We call on the Church to formally change its language about the countless LGBTQI people whose lives benefit the church and who are impacted by such diminishing language.
Pádraig Ó Tuama
Leader – The Corrymeela Community
“As a gay Catholic, I do not recognise myself in the language used about me in the church’s documents or teachings. The gospels depict the dignity of humanity, especially those who were castigated or marginalised. The Church would be more faithful to its witness to use language that builds bridges rather than diminishes dignity.”
Ursula Halligan
Journalist in Residence, DCU
"Why does the hierarchical Catholic Church continue to use such horrible language in its catechism and official documents about LGBTQI people? If a business or company were to use such language, they would be publicly reprimanded and penalised by the state. The hierarchical church needs to wash its mouth out before speaking about LGBTQI people".
Senator David Norris
As a believing and church going Christian I have to say that the history of the Christian churches in relation to gay people is a shocking record of criminality and brutality. At the instigation of the churches gay people have been routinely ostracised, tortured and murdered. It is unacceptable that there should be any continuation of the savage and insensitive language employed by some of the churches in dealing with gay people. It is salutary to remember that Jesus Christ not once mentions or condemns homosexuality.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Archbishop of Manila, has lamented the “harsh words” that the Church used about gay and divorced people in the past, saying it left them feeling “branded”.
[Flame 2 Youth Congress, Wembley, 2015]
Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Mumbai: “Let us use gentler language, not judgmental language.”
[Interview with New Ways Ministry, 19 October 2015]
We cannot be silent.
We call for change in the Catholic Church's official language and teaching on our LGBTQI sisters and brothers.
We call on Pope Francis to speak out against this harsh language against our LGBTQI sisters and brothers.
WE ARE CHURCH IRELAND
Contact:Brendan Butler, WAC Ireland Spokesperson +353 86 405 4984
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Can you help us distribute this petition? We have set it up on Change.org.
This petition is open to all to sign: You do not have to be a Christian. The Vatican’s language about LGBTQI people is encouraging homophobia around the world!
In the picture: At the Papal Cross in the Phoenix Park are 3 supporters of this petition: Pádraig Ó Tuama, Ursula Halligan and Senator David Norris.
You can read more and sign the petition here:
https://chn.ge/2LprT0B
We are hoping to build up big support for this petition before Pope Francis arrives in Ireland 25-26 August 2018.
If you can share this with your network and on social media that would be great!
Many Thanks!
Colm
Colm Holmes
Core Group Member
We Are Church Ireland
Website: http://wearechurchireland.ie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeAreChurchIreland/ …
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