Military archbishop: Retain policy against open homosexuality in the military
June 07, 2010
Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services has issued a statement calling for the retention of the “don’t ask, don’t tell policy,” under which open homosexuality is fobidden in the United States military. President Barack Obama has called upon Congress to repeal the policy.
Quoting the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church on homosexuality-- including the statement that homosexual acts are “acts of grave depravity”-- Archbishop Broglio writes:
Those with a homosexual orientation can expect respect and treatment worthy of their human dignity. The prohibitions regarding sexual harassment and intimidation refer just as much to homosexuals as to anyone else. However, unions between individuals of the same gender resembling marriage will not be accepted or blessed by Catholic chaplains. Furthermore no restrictions or limitations on the teaching of Catholic morality can be accepted. First Amendment rights regarding the free exercise of religion must be respected. This means that Catholic chaplains must show compassion for persons with a homosexual orientation, but can never condone-- even silently-- homosexual behavior. A change [in law] might have a negative effect on the role of the chaplain not only in the pulpit, but also in the classroom, in the barracks, and in the office.
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Further information:
- Archbishop Broglio's statement on proposed legislation (Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA)
- Don't ask, don't tell (Wikipedia)
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Posted by: NUBigRed069745 -
Jun. 08, 2010 4:49 PM ET USA
I understand the Archbishop's concerns, but we are still left with this quagmire: The Archbishop says we are to treat same-sex attracted people with respect, but they can still be kicked out strictly for their same-sex attraction. This is not treating people with respect.
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Posted by: Ken -
Jun. 08, 2010 4:38 AM ET USA
Outstanding, Archbishop Broglio! This courageous stand makes this retired Marine proud of this Catholic leader.
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Posted by: William F. Folger -
Jun. 07, 2010 9:55 PM ET USA
See the timely comment (scroll to June 7, 7:52 PM) in the following: http://www.ncregister.com/blog/president_obama_asks_you_to_celebrate_lgbt_pride_month/ For the first time, an "open" policy can produce serious LBGT-type lovers in the same unit thus to have serious conflicts of interest at times of extreme battle danger to the unit. Those possibly falling under God's "handing them over" (per Romans 1:28) will not be trustworthy. Even businesses head off conflicts of interest!!
