Texas bishop rebukes priest who wrote against homosexuality, abortion

August 23, 2010

Bishop Armando Ochoa of El Paso has rebuked a diocesan priest who wrote that “every single Catholic, out of fidelity to charity and truth, has the absolute duty to oppose (1) the murder of unborn babies, and (2) any and all government attempts to legalize homosexual unions.”

“I urge all of the Catholic faithful to treat homosexuals with love, understanding, and respect,” Father Michael Rodriguez had added in his August 2 El Paso Timescolumn. “At the same time, never forget that genuine love demands that we seek, above all, the salvation of souls. Homosexual acts lead to the damnation of souls.”

“I would like to state that previous columns claiming to speak for Catholic Doctrine were the personal opinions of individuals and do not necessarily express the belief of the Catholic Church,” Bishop Ochoa responded in an August 22 El Paso Timescolumn. “The Church has been unmistakable about its consistent defense of the unborn … Likewise, the Church is a supporter of the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman. These teachings come from a tradition that wants to promote the good of society. My concern in writing this reflection is not to change these teachings, but to offer a more pastoral understanding in dealing with them.”

“When we talk about abortion and homosexuality, we are talking about human beings dealing with all kinds of concerns and unresolved challenges,” he continued. “Our Church does not want to simply judge and condemn, but first to offer Christ's love and compassion. God's first and primary law is love and how love of others is at the same time our love for God.”

“As Church we want to journey with everyone as they search for meaning in their lives. We believe that Christ offers this meaning,” the bishop continued. “The use of harsh words of condemnation is not the approach Christ invites us to have toward one another. Intolerance closes the door to learning and deeper understanding of each other.”

“Furthermore, it leads to divisiveness within the body of Christ. It is time for us to learn how to work with each other, even when and if we disagree. Too many people have suffered because of a profound lack of compassion and a perceived arrogant intolerance.”

“While it is important to offer a teaching on human sexuality which may not be popular in modern society, the Church, nonetheless, upholds that each person be treated with dignity and respect,” Bishop Ochoa concluded. “I urge all of our pastoral agents to reach out to individuals with a homosexual orientation and their families with compassion. This can be done without compromising Church teaching in any way because our pastoral care demands no less from us.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Bishop Armando X. Ochoa: Catholic Church advocates compassion (El Paso Times)
• El Paso Catholic Bishop Says Priest Was Stating Personal Opinion Concerning Gays (KVIA-TV)
• Priest in Texas newspaper: ‘Homosexual acts lead to the damnation of souls’ (CWN, 8/2/10)