Lumbering giant

     When I was a cleric of the Roman rite I had a great deal of respect for the Church. So much so that when I realized I was gay and came out I didn't feel it was right to obfuscate or deny truths that I was completely at peace with. I had no guilt and I honestly felt I owed it to the church to be truthful.  Of course that honesty and respect was all one sided as many others would also agree. Be that as it may I know I did the right thing. After a bit of anger  ( that some of my older entries bear witness to ) I have come to terms with the one sided nature of the Roman church and acknowledge sadly what they truly have become. Even so, the key is that they are quite the lumbering giant. You may not respect it but need to acknowledge and respect their power, size and influence just for your own good health and well being.

       So when Pope Francis comes out with an exhortation called Amoris Laetitia it is wise to know what it actually says because like the Romans or not, it will influence the opinion of many people who for one reason or another hold them in high regard. This is especially true if you are gay because their position on all things gay and on marriage equality is so misguided and deeply filled with hypocrisy. There are millions of gay men and woman starving for spiritual guidance, love and affirmation.

      I have yet to delve into all of the 260 pages of text but have reviewed some highlights that make the document a roller coaster not unlike many Vatican documents.  There are hopeful general comments in line with "who am I to judge?" and then there are exclusionary statements denouncing same sex unions and that homosexuals should not be subject to 'unjust' discrimination.  To me and countless others all discrimination is unjust but once again the Roman church sees fit to twist words to suit their own agenda denying the glorious vision of Jesus and the beauty and total diversity of God's created world.

      What is critical and must be remembered if you are a member of the LGBTQi rainbow is that nothing has officially changed. In the end, the statements in canon law about gay people being "intrinsically disordered" is still the standard of the Roman church. To me it is impossible to acknowledge my goodness and respect myself while also stating that I am intrinsically disordered.

     So read The Joy of Love ( Amoris Laetitia ) with all hope and interest but do not be fooled into thinking that anything has changed.