Irish archbishop fears 'homophobic' use of Church teaching
February 10, 2014
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin has expressed concern that Ireland’s debate on acceptance of same-sex marriage could prompt people to use Church teachings “in a homophobic way.”
The archbishop told an RTE broadcast audience that the Church will always define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. But he said that homosexual people should enjoy protection of law, and should not be subjected to rhetorical attacks.
"Debates on issues like this have to be carried out in a mature way so that people can freely express their views while at the same time being respectful and not causing offense,” Archbishop Martin said. He expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of the debate thus far, and said that the Irish people will need to “grow out” of prejudices.
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Posted by: feedback -
Feb. 11, 2014 11:06 AM ET USA
Homophobia means the fear of homosexuals. It is a term used very broadly, but practically it is being used to label anyone and everyone whom the homosexual lobby sees a threat to its militant agenda. Once you are labeled "homophobic" there is nothing you can do about it. And once a bishop suggests the doctrine of the Church could be "homophobic", it will be labeled as such forever by the homo-friendly mainstream media.
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Posted by: [email protected] -
Feb. 10, 2014 10:01 PM ET USA
No the debate is not off to a bad start, he is. You cannot teach that marriage is doctrine between a man and woman and then say it should be acceptable to celebrate "gay civil unions". And we need civil discourse. He does not understand the gay agenda at all or is sympathetic to it. Homosexual acts are deviant behavior. Don't try to sugar coat it or you lose all credibility.
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Posted by: jg23753479 -
Feb. 10, 2014 5:24 PM ET USA
Is anyone else getting tired of Bishop Martin's grandstanding? He is raising being 'holier-than-thou' to a veritable art form. I am sure his brother bishops in Ireland must cringe every time they see his name anywhere near a headline.