The Pope’s journey to the United States comes at unique and challenging time. Some see his visit as a frantic attempt to stop the budding culture of change that is taking place in the US Church. Others see his journey as an attempt to stop the hemorrhaging of the moral authority brought on by hierarchal irresponsibility. And still others see a potential for schism developing among Catholic Universities that must be addressed. History will judge the success or failure of the Pope’s US journey, and the people of God will either listen to his message, or ignore it.
Will an autocratic culture be able to find common ground with a culture of change? We are all agreed that it is natural that Church leaders would want to take the Pope’s visit as an opportunity to spread the Christian message across the United States. The question; however, is how best to do it?
It is difficult to believe that the Jesus, who interceded on the behalf of a prostitute, would be able to relate to the Pope’s phobia of Gay Marriage in particular, and in general sexuality. The Gospel vision of tolerance and compassion has been replaced with the yoke of blind obedience. I believe the moral question facing the Pope and his bishops is how to best serve the interests of the People of God. A servant listens and than speaks, is this Pope capable of that?
The hierarchy thus far has chosen confrontation with change rather than productive engagement. Many in the International GLBT Community interpret the Popes constant vitriolic diatribe against gays and lesbians as a sign of hostility, and fear that is not based in love. These attacks are interpreted by the gay and lesbian Catholic community as another slap in the face; another rejection.
As an active Catholic who attaches importance to diversity and tolerance I get embarrassed at most pronouncements that come from the Vatican these days on subject of sexuality. I believe silence can be a sin so some of us like the Rainbow Sash Movement will take this as an opportunity to begin a very symbolic public conversation with the Pope. The medium of our conversation will be ashes and whistles. Does the Pope have the courage to be with and listen to his fellow public sinners, or will he commit himself to the abyss of silence and fear, that brings so much pain to the Body of Christ.
The Pope continues to represent his position on Gay Marriage with unfounded invectives, such as Gay Marriage will affect the Sanctity of Marriage, therefore be destructive to the family, and Gay Adoption is doing violence to children. Our public question continues to be how gay marriage will affect straight marriage negatively, and how can a loving home do violence to children? We are again met with silence
The Popes journey offers opportunity, will he have the vision to grasp it, to communicate, to find common ground and to seek to proclaim the good news in a way that does not damage anyone. We pray for holy communication, but that cannot take place if we are not willing to listen to each other and have our actions guided by charity.
God bless.
