New Belgian primate in debate on homosexuality
January 25, 2010
Less than a week after his appointment as new primate of the Catholic Church in Belgium, Archbishop André-Joseph Leonard has become the focal point of a national controversy about homosexuality. The Archbishop-elect of Brussels—a conservative prelate who was chosen by Pope Benedict XVI to replace the liberal Cardinal Godfried Danneels-- touched off the debate by affirming that homosexuality is a psychological disorder. The archbishop emphasized that while homosexual acts are morally wrong, the impulses of same-sex attraction are not themselves sinful but reflect a disorder.
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Further information:
- Belgien: Debatte über Homosexualität (Vatican Radio)
- ‘Belgian Ratzinger’ named nation’s primate; government blasts choice (CWN, 1/19/2010)
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Posted by: kboyle912306 -
Jan. 27, 2010 7:32 PM ET USA
Let's make this the clear, universal statement from the church not this weak justification we so often hear from bishops. People don't have to be Catholic. You want to see resurgence in the faithful and new members, take a stand on what we know is true and let the chips fall where they may.
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Posted by: -
Jan. 26, 2010 3:59 AM ET USA
I hate the way "conservative" is often looked upon as negative while "liberal" is seen as positive-Archbishop Leonard is called a conservative because he is FAITHFUL to the Church's teachings.We need more prelates to openly show that they are faithful to the Church.Whatever people think about Dr Leonard,at least he has the courage of his convictions-if he took the opposite position,he would be lambasted for not being Catholic enough!So we have a Catholic prelate who is...well,Catholic-Thank God.
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Posted by: -
Jan. 25, 2010 6:12 PM ET USA
The truth of the matter could not be stated any clearer. Thank God for Bishop Leonard and all the others who courageously speak the truth. With each day, the stakes go up.
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Posted by: skladach -
Jan. 25, 2010 5:51 PM ET USA
The Family Research Council published a book entitled Getting It Straight: What the Research Shows about Homosexuality, citing dozens of medical, psychological and sociological studies spelling out just how disordered and harmful it is.
