The Confraternity has just issued a Briefing paper on same-sex marriage which is intended to support the various statements made by our Bishops and to assist the people in our parishes to understand the Church's teaching in the face of much misinformation. It is a helpful brief explanation which is suitable for distribution in parishes. If you want a printer-friendly pdf, I have uploaded the file to my parish website. (It is now also available on the CCC website.)
May I also take this opportunity to encourage brother priests to examine the objects of the Confraternity and to take out membership.
5 comments:
I think this is a particularly clear and well articulated case. Thank you to the Confraternity for making this available.
My word, it only fully dawned on me over the Christmas octave just how clever "they" (the liberal establishment - led by Archantipriest Will Self) have been this last 12 months. By December 31, I was truly drained by the umpteenth "gay marriage" conversation I'd endured in all the various family and friends settings one encounters at that time of year. "Glass of sherry, you go to Church don't you, where do you stand on gay marriage? Each to their own, I say." Truly, one of the most important hurdles has already been well cleared with ease by "them". For the topic has now become a "chit chat" staple, with the inevitability that Great Aunt Maud now doesn't wish to be seen to be "out of touch". But if you raise even the slightest objection, just watch how quickly that cork goes back into the Harvey's bottle!
The other devious design "they've" employed is the curve ball thrown to nominal Catholics concerning gay weddings in Church. For the debate (ha!) has moved at an astonishing pace. "Well, I'm all for live and let live and each to their own," says Great Aunt Maud, building up to a caveat, "but not in a church, no that's too far, that's where I draw the line!." And the cardy gets sharply drawn together.
So, from a standing start a year ago, the "debate" has now moved into the living room, and has already led to many Catholics completely ignoring the societal impact of "gay marriage" - just so long as it doesn't darken the doors of St Here & There on High Street.
Desperate.
This post is most encouraging. Thank you for posting this paper. My mind is whirring with further questions.
1. How many members are there currently on the role of the Confraternity that are prepared to support those who struggle with SSA?
2. Are Bishops supportive and or members of this Confraternity?
3. Is there a specific group that represents the laity?
4. Is there another platform from which this briefing can be advertised/disseminated?
1. I think that all of the members of the CCC would offer pastoral care and support.
2. Bishops Davies and Egan took part in the last national Colloquium. (I'm not sure whether Bishops can be members, though.)
3. No it is a group for priests. In due course we might follow the example of the Aussies and have a public lecture and associate membership etc.
4. The Briefing is freely available on the internet. Members have been encouraged to make it available to their parishioners. Bloggers etc. can freely publish it.
Thank you!
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