Why Archbishop Sean O’Malley makes me see red, and I don’t mean hats. II

By Leila Marie Lawler ( articles ) | Mar 19, 2006

As if to prove my point that he really doesn’t have a clue about his responsibility in this matter of hard teachings, Archbishop Sean goes on to answer the question of whether he personally agrees with the teaching of the Church on homosexual adoption thus:

'This is a very clear teaching. And it's not one that would admit of dissent in the church."

A disturbing answer. The man can’t help sounding like someone who, for reasons he doesn’t want to go into, really differs with his boss, but is somewhat reluctantly willing to act as his spokesman. His heart isn’t in it and he doesn’t see the thing from the inside, he doesn’t mind letting you know. It’s the response of fear, not of assent.

For instance, if he wanted to remedy the situation he laments at the beginning of this interview, “our” sadly diminished capacity to teach the hard points of the Gospel, he could start with explaining to the reporter that the teaching of the Church on homosexuality is the only hope men and women have of finding happiness in their relationships with each other and providing loving homes for their children.

It’s crazy that in discussing adoption the word “child” doesn’t seem to creep into his lexicon. Apparently he can’t muster enough imagination to picture an emotionally vulnerable flesh-and-blood child taken into the home of two people who define themselves in terms of a sexual perversion, let alone enough Christian charity to wish to be the means of rescuing such a child.

In fact, he clearly projects his tacit agreement with those who think such a thing is justifiable; so clearly that it causes the reporter to ask whether he could speak up and express his disagreement with the Vatican.

Contrast his unconvinced manner with the passion he displays on the question of immigration:

We can not deport 11 million people, and it is outrageous to expect that the church or private organizations are going to act as some sort of vigilantes to identify undocumented workers. I mean, it's just not going to happen. Q: When you say it's not going to happen, you mean you will not let it happen here in Boston? A: No. I certainly - I think that would be outrageous.