Massachusetts bishops issue neutral statement on state guarantee for 'transgender' rights
July 11, 2016
The Catholic bishops of Massachusetts have issued a public statement encouraging "careful oversight and respect for all individuals" in the wake of the state legislature's approval of a new law that will give "transgender" individual the right to use the public accomodations of their choice.
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In their statement-- issued through the Massachusetts Catholic Conference, the public-policy arm of the state's bishops-- the bishops indicate no opposition to the claims of people who identify with the opposite gender; they asset: "The understanding of and respect for transgender persons has only recently commanded widespread attention." Acknowledging that public debate on the issue is likely to continue, the statement says: "We urge respect in this discussion for all those whose rights require protection."
"In our parishes, schools, and other institutions, the Church will respect the civil law," the statement says, "while upholding the principles of our faith and our religious freedom." The statement does not comment on the challenges to the Catholic faith posed by individuals who demand to be treated as members of the opposite sex.
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Posted by: Lucius49 -
Jul. 12, 2016 4:01 PM ET USA
How can Mass bishops be neutral on an extreme ideology imposed on the population based on relativism?? There are no transgender persons. There are simply persons. The transgender claim is not a metaphysical category. Human beings cannot recreate themselves.There is an objective order;one's sexuality which is received. Human nature is not a mental construct. Do the Mass bishops recognize the natural order? Mental confusion does not change that order. The fort is betrayed by the supposed defenders
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Posted by: timothy.op -
Jul. 11, 2016 8:40 PM ET USA
What a cowardly capitulation! What a shameful failure of leadership!!!
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Posted by: wsw33410 -
Jul. 11, 2016 8:14 PM ET USA
This is a shameful position by the Massachusetts' bishops - where is Cardinal O'Malley? How they are "upholding the principles of our faith and our religious freedom." ?? Bad shepherds, bad example of cowardness - wonder why Catholics are running away from the Church?
