Bishop Soto on women’s ordination, contraception, homosexuality

December 02, 2010

In a lengthy interview with the Sacramento News & Review, Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento discusses women’s ordination, contraception, homoesexuality, the abuse scandal, and other issues.

Asked a more general question-- “How would [the unchurched] benefit if they joined your faith and attended your services?”-- he replied:

I believe that participating in a faith community, and in the charitable works of a faith community, helps us to really discover our own humanity. In our society, we place a great deal of value on freedom. And the Church understands freedom as going out of one’s self toward God and toward others. Whether that’s the divine other or “God”—or whether that experience is mediated by our reaching out to one of our brothers or sisters in need. … I think, ultimately, people have a longing to connect to something that’s bigger than they are.

One of the things I really like are the Catholic high schools and their immersion experiences—where students go to local places like Loaves & Fishes or actually travel to New Orleans or Mexico and really immerse themselves into the experience of poverty and gain a sense of connection with the poor, with the marginalized. And my hope is that out of these unique experiences comes a commitment and habit of seeking ways to live with solidarity with people who are on the margins. And that’s not just an occasional thing, something to do around Christmas. That becomes a habit.

I think that’s what religion does, helps people see beyond themselves.

 

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Further information:

• Soto speaks (Sacramento News & Review)