Wednesday, November 28, 2012

FREEDOM of CONSCIENCE - Proposing a Renewed Catholic Understanding of the Sexual Person - August 2, 2012 - By Todd A. Salzman and Michael G. Lawler, authors of SEXUAL ETHICS

Part One of a Two-Part Series

          In a recent interview with NPR’s Fresh Air, Sister Pat Farrell, President of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), commented on one aspect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s “doctrinal assessment” of the group:  “We have been, in good faith, raising concerns about some of the Church’s teaching on sexuality…the problem being that the teaching and interpretation of the faith can’t remain static and really needs to be reformulated, rethought in light of the world we live in….” Regarding whether or not these concerns are open for discussion in the Church, Farrell asks: “Can you be Catholic and have a questioning mind?…Is freedom of conscience within the church genuinely honored?  Her comment and questions invite reflection on a historical reason for concerns about some Catholic sexual teachings, the need for Church teaching that respects the consciences of the faithful, and the need for a renewed definition of the sexual person that adequately considers the sexual person in light of “the signs of the times.”
          … If the Church’s way in social ethics is the way of principles that enable believers to responsibly respond, not the way of absolute norms to be unquestioningly obeyed, then surely it can be the way also in sexual ethics. That opens the way to the long-standing Catholic teaching on the moral ultimacy of conscience articulated, for instance, by the young Joseph Ratzinger in his commentary on Gaudium et spes’ teaching on conscience. “Over the Pope as the expression of the binding claim of ecclesiastical authority there still stands one’s own conscience, which must be obeyed before all else, if necessary even against the requirement of ecclesiastical authority.” Catholics rightly accord theological respect to the conscience of the magisterium when it teaches on sexual issues. Today they ask only that the magisterium reciprocate respect for their consciences.
Read more:



An American Nun Responds To Vatican Criticism – NPR - July 17, 2012
          In April, the Vatican announced that three American bishops (one archbishop and two bishops) would be sent to oversee the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, a member organization founded in 1956 that represents 80 percent of Catholic sisters in the United States, to get them to conform with the teachings of the Church.
          In its assessment of the group, the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith said the leadership conference is undermining Roman Catholic teachings on homosexuality and birth control and promoting "radical feminist themes incompatible with the Catholic faith." It also reprimanded the nuns for hosting speakers who "often contradict or ignore" church teachings and for making public statements that "disagree with or challenge the bishops, who are the church's authentic teachers of faith and morals."
          In their own statement, the nuns said the Vatican's doctrinal assessment of the group was based on "unsubstantiated accusations" and may "compromise" the ability of female nuns to "fulfill their mission."…
Read more and to the interview “Fresh Air”:

 
Related links:

 
GAY RIGHTS – US President Obama Appreciates Fr. Marty Kurylowicz’s Perspective on Gay (LGBT) Rights | US Catholic Clergy Supportive of GAY RIGHTS – Are Attacked, Silenced and Removed for the past 30 years by Ratzinger / Benedict XVI  - 1983 Archbishop Hunthausen of Seattle
 
  
 
 
Gay (LGBT) Rights - Fr. Marty Kurylowicz’s Perspective - Begins with Children & LOVE, being one with another human being.
 
SEXUAL ORIENTATION is less about sex and more about LOVE, being one with another human being. Attachment Theory - - LOVE & RELIGION - - Fr. Marty Kurylowicz - 4/30/09 - “Nothing in life is more precious than the intimate relationships we have with love ones. Healthy love relationships delight us give us confidence to take on challenges and support us in difficult times…” Photo
http://fathermartykurylowicz.blogspot.com/2012/11/gay-marriage-sexual-orientation-is-less.html



Gay Marriage - A WELL-INFORMED CONSCIENCE --- Protects Religious Freedom – but not TYRANNY in Religion --- Kids Are Being Hurt!!! - US Presidential Elections - 2012 --- President Obama Gay Marriage Endorsement May 2012 - Is 'Political Bravery’

Gay Marriage - Amistad Africans – Supreme Court Trial 1841 - President John Quincy Adam - The DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE …‘ALL MEN…CREATED EQUAL,’ ‘INALIENABLE RIGHTS,’ ‘LIFE,’ ‘LIBERTY,’ & The AMERICAN REVOLUTION ---- US Presidential Elections - 2012 --- President Obama Gay Marriage Endorsement May 2012 - Is 'Political Bravery' Photo


GAY MARRIAGE – Homosexuality for Catholics or anyone? "WHY IT IS A 'GIFT' FROM GOD!!!" And when we accept and value this gift from God – we are able to experience love like never before, and we are able to love. | PART 7

GAY MARRIAGE – UNIDENTIFIED - Internalized Homophobia - Benedict XVI, Hierarchy & Blind Followers - GAY-BASHERS UK & US | UK Blair & Cameron Legalization of Gay Marriage | Kids Are Being Hurt!!! | PART 8

Benedict XVI knows - Defending traditional marriage is REACTIONARY, RETROGRADE, an expression of BACKWARD thinking – just like implying that Galileo was wrong and the Vatican was right – 9/21/12

Vatican Crackdown – Archbishop HUNTHAUSEN of Seattle, Washington for Supporting GAYS & LESBIANS – by Ratzinger’s (Benedict XVI) … CRUEL & DEMEANING treatment of Hunthausen – to effectively - INTIMIDATE - fellow prelates - 1983

Gay Marriage – Benedict XVI & Hitler’s Rejection of Modern Science - Public Propaganda to Systematically Dehumanize Whole Groups of People – including Children

Benedict XVI Rejection of Human Sciences (e.g. psychology) – Repeating - Hitler’s Rejection of Modern Science 

As SCIENCE moves forward on Research & Understanding Homosexuality -- RATZINGER/BENEDICT XVI Ignoring Science - Sanctions Ignorance & Silence Promoting discrimination of Homosexuality – A Timeline Photo


AUSCHWITZ -- CHRISTMAS 2008 -- A flashback far more severe than in --- BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN – December 26, 2008 – Fr. Marty Kurylowicz
          …I have been so saddened by Pope Benedict XVI's cruel words to LGBTQ people around the world, to their parents, families and friends, most ESPECIALLY TO CHILDREN…
          …I think in truth on a much deeper level I was frightened, really frightened, to hear Pope Benedict XVI’s Christmas remarks against homosexuals and transgendered human beings and even more frightened by the silence from the larger global community of human beings. What is so frightening is, even if there is agreement that one person does not matter or is not important, in truth then no one matters...


Cardinal Ratzinger (Benedict XVI) … efforts to PREVENT the EVOLUTION in Church Teaching toward ACCEPTANCE of HOMOSEXUALS - Milestones in campaign to hold the doctrinal - beginning 1984 - July 30, 1999 Photo 


Archbishop Weakland’s - 1986 - Warnings to Vatican inquisitor – valuing RIGIDITY OF DOCTRINE over PEOPLE – Mistreatment of Archbishop HUNTHAUSEN – 9/28/1986 ---
…He contended that previous efforts to monitor and safeguard Catholic doctrine have been undertaken in an atmosphere where ``amateurs-turned-theologians easily became headhunters and leaders were picked (on the basis of) the rigidity of their doctrine, so that often second-rate and repressive minds, riding on the waves of fear, took over.
          ``Religion under such circumstances then can become an ideology that tolerates no obstacle and that values ideas more than people,`` he wrote... Photo
 

Hans Küng … Urges confronting - Catholic hierarchy CORRUPTION - Catholic theologian - 10/5/12
- Benedict XVI “AUTHORITARIAN SYSTEM" parallels Germany's Nazi dictatorship | UNCONDITIONAL OBEDIENCE - CRUSHING any form of Clerical Dissent

Catholic theologian preaches revolution to end church's 'authoritarian' rule – 10/5/12 Photo
Hans Küng urges confrontation from the grassroots to unseat pope and force radical reform at Vatican
          One of the world's most prominent Catholic theologians has called for a revolution from below to unseat the pope and force radical reform at the Vatican.
          Hans Küng is appealing to priests and churchgoers to confront the Catholic hierarchy, which he says is corrupt, lacking credibility and apathetic to the real concerns of the church's members.
          In an exclusive interview with the Guardian, Küng, who had close contact with the pope when the two worked together as young theologians, described the church as an "authoritarian system" with parallels to Germany's Nazi dictatorship.
          "The unconditional obedience demanded of bishops who swear their allegiance to the pope when they make their holy oath is almost as extreme as that of the German generals who were forced to swear an oath of allegiance to Hitler," he said.
          The Vatican made a point of crushing any form of clerical dissent, he added…
          "The only way for reform is from the bottom up," said Küng, 84, who is a priest. "The priests and others in positions of responsibility need to stop being so subservient, to organise themselves and say that there are certain things that they simply will not put up with anymore."… Photo
Read complete article:


Hans Küng “Open Letter to the Catholic Bishops” 4/4/10 – Church in worst credibility crisis since Reformation - Benedict XVI has made worse just about everything that is wrong with the Roman Catholic Church…


 

Galileo facing the Roman Inquisition


Ecclesiastes 1:5 (New International Version)
5 The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises.
Ecclesiastes 1:5 (New American Standard Bible)
Also, the sun rises and the sun sets; And hastening to its place it rises there again. 

1 Chronicles 16:30 (New International Version)
30 Tremble before him, all the earth! The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.
1 Chronicles 16:30 (New American Standard Bible)
30 Tremble before Him, all the earth; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved

Psalm 93:1 (New International Version)
The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.
Psalm 93:1 (New American Standard Bible)
1 The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The LORD has clothed and girded Himself with strength; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved

Psalm 96:10 (New International Version)
10 Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns." The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.
Psalm 96:10 (New American Standard Bible)
10 Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved; He will judge the peoples with equity." 

Psalm 104:5 (New International Version)
5 He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.
Psalm 104:5 (New American Standard Bible)
He established the earth upon its foundations, So that it will not totter forever and ever.




Injustice anywhere is a
threat to
Justice everywhere
Martin Luther King

The Nobel Peace Prize 1964
Martin Luther King Jr.




What you cannot do is accept injustice.
From Hitler – or anyone.
You must make the injustice visible
– be prepared to die like a
 soldier to do so.
Mahatma Gandhi



Kids Are Being Hurt!!!






“Someday, maybe, there will exist a well-informed, well considered and yet fervent public conviction that the most deadly of all possible sins is the mutilation of a child’s spirit.” 




…whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:6

Important note: No disrespect meant to Pope Benedict XVI or the hierarchy, the one and only concern is the safety and well-being of children.

Kids Are Being Hurt!!!
 
 


“Gay Families' Inequality” (Videos) - Most of Europe doesn't recognise this family | Zack Wahls, His Two Moms, & The Future of Same-Sex Marriage – 2012

Most of Europe doesn't recognise this family – (Video) – 27 November 2012
“…throughout all the laugher, the lessons and the love …you learn that your parents are only children grown up – and only then do you realize …how difficult the world really is and how truly thankful you are for their  sacrifice to love each other and to love you

UK - Parliament 'less likely to listen to Church over gay marriage after decision over women bishops' - 22 November 2012


France pushes ahead with gay marriage - 23 November 2012


Zack Wahls, His Two Moms, & The Future of Same-Sex Marriage – (Video) - May 30, 2012

Zach Wahls Speaks About His Family | Video - ABC News - Feb 3, 2011

Related link:

'Invisible Parents' Short Film Highlights Gay Families' Inequality - 11/05/2012

Gay Marriage - Morgan Freeman - “Dawn of a New Day for Marriage Equality" (VIDEO) – 11/25/12


America stands at the damn of a new day.

Freedom, justice and human dignity have always guided our journey toward a more perfect union.

Now across our country, we are standing together for the right of gay and lesbian Americans to marry the person they love.

And with historic victories for marriage, we’ve delivered a mandate for full equality.

The wind is at our back. But our journey has just begun.
Join us

Morgan Freeman Narrates New HRC Spot on Next Steps in Marriage Equality – 11/24/12

Morgan Freeman Gay Marriage Ad (VIDEO) – 11/25/12

Commentary: Morgan Freeman lends his voice in support for marriage equality – 11/25/12 Photo
 
Related Links:



Obama: ‘I Think Same-Sex Couples Should Be Able to Get Married’ – ABC News - May 9, 2012 Photo
In an interview with ABC News’ Robin Roberts, the president described his thought process as an “evolution” that led him to this decision, based on conversations with his staff members, openly gay and lesbian service members, and his wife and daughters… Read more:
&

Michelle Obama – “Kids who now feel like, for the FIRST TIME, if they're gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, that they feel like they have a place.” 9/26/12
First Lady Talks LGBT Youth: “We’re Here for Our Kids”
“I'm probably more hopeful than I've ever been because I can see the changes and I can see it in our kids,” she said. “I get to see so many great signs of this country's growth. Kids who now feel like, for the first time, if they're gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, that they feel like they have a place. … One kid came up to me yesterday on the photo line and he said, I would have committed suicide if it wasn't for what your husband did.” … Read more & view video Photo


SALLY FIELD - Receives HRC's Ally For Equality Award, Delivers Emotional Speech On Gay Son Sam – 10/07/12
          …She went on to note, "But Sam was different, and his journey to allow himself what nature intended him to be was not an easy one. As his mother, I consider it one of the great privileges of my life to be part it."
          "There are so many children who struggle to understand and embrace their sexuality in families who do not welcome them, with parents that somehow find it acceptable to shut them out their hearts and their homes, and that I find unacceptable." Photo
          But she drew the biggest cheers after she told the HRC crowd, "You've changed and are changing the lives of little boys and girls who realize somewhere along the way they're just different from their other brothers and sisters...
Read more/view video clip:
 
"Reparative Therapy" or "Conversion Therapy" – To Change Sexual Orientation - Lack Medical Justification, THREATEN HEALTH - Are ETHICALLY UNACCEPTABLE – 9/1/12

California Bans Gay Conversion Therapy for Minors – 10/1/12
          Therapy aimed at changing the sexual orientation of minors who say they are gay has been outlawed in California, the first state to adopt such legislation. California Gov. Jerry Brown announced he had signed the bill on Sunday.
          The bill’s sponsor, Calif. State Sen. Ted Lieu, said the so-called “conversion therapy,” “sexual orientation therapy,” “reparative therapy,” or “sexual orientation change efforts” — amounts to “psychological child abuse.”
          “No one should stand idly by while children are being psychological abused, and anyone who forces a child to try to change their sexual orientation must understand this is unacceptable,” Lieu said in a statement released Sunday…  Photo
Read more:
 
President Obama - Election Night - ...We want our children to live in an America that isn’t burdened by debt; that isn’t weakened by inequality; that isn’t threatened by the destructive power of a warming planet... November 07, 2012 - 12:38 A.M. CST

Gay Vote Proved a Boon for Obama – 11/15/12

President OBAMA Gay Marriage Endorsement - Is 'Political Bravery'- RACHEL MADDOW & “…I think of all the GAY KIDS out there who now know they have their president on their side…” by ANDREW SULLIVAN - NPR – May 9 & 10, 2012

51% of AFRICAN AMERICANS nationwide endorsed the right of gays and lesbians to marry…slightly higher than the support level among all voters - The Pew Research Center said a Nov. 6 exit poll found – 11/17/12
 
 

GAY RIGHTS – US President Obama Appreciates Fr. Marty Kurylowicz’s Perspective on Gay (LGBT) Rights | US Catholic Clergy Supportive of GAY RIGHTS – Are Attacked, Silenced and Removed for the past 30 years by Ratzinger / Benedict XVI  - 1983 Archbishop Hunthausen of Seattle
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gay (LGBT) Rights - Fr. Marty Kurylowicz’s Perspective - Begins with Children & LOVE, being one with another human being.
 
SEXUAL ORIENTATION is less about sex and more about LOVE, being one with another human being. Attachment Theory - - LOVE & RELIGION - - Fr. Marty Kurylowicz - 4/30/09 - “Nothing in life is more precious than the intimate relationships we have with love ones. Healthy love relationships delight us give us confidence to take on challenges and support us in difficult times…” Photo
http://fathermartykurylowicz.blogspot.com/2012/11/gay-marriage-sexual-orientation-is-less.html



Gay Marriage - A WELL-INFORMED CONSCIENCE --- Protects Religious Freedom – but not TYRANNY in Religion --- Kids Are Being Hurt!!! - US Presidential Elections - 2012 --- President Obama Gay Marriage Endorsement May 2012 - Is 'Political Bravery’

Gay Marriage - Amistad Africans – Supreme Court Trial 1841 - President John Quincy Adam - The DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE …‘ALL MEN…CREATED EQUAL,’ ‘INALIENABLE RIGHTS,’ ‘LIFE,’ ‘LIBERTY,’ & The AMERICAN REVOLUTION ---- US Presidential Elections - 2012 --- President Obama Gay Marriage Endorsement May 2012 - Is 'Political Bravery' Photo


GAY MARRIAGE – Homosexuality for Catholics or anyone? "WHY IT IS A 'GIFT' FROM GOD!!!" And when we accept and value this gift from God – we are able to experience love like never before, and we are able to love. | PART 7

GAY MARRIAGE – UNIDENTIFIED - Internalized Homophobia - Benedict XVI, Hierarchy & Blind Followers - GAY-BASHERS UK & US | UK Blair & Cameron Legalization of Gay Marriage | Kids Are Being Hurt!!! | PART 8
          …Religion: Fifty-eight percent of self-identified Catholics said they support gay marriage, compared to 48 percent of Protestants. Meanwhile, 78 percent of those without religious affiliation offered support… Read complete report: Photo

Michigan's changing view of gay marriage – 11/21/12

Gay-Marriage receives strong support by Chicago Mayor Emanuel – 11/19/12
          …support, strong support has come from Illinois, where Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel gave a decided and unexpected push to the effort when he mentioned it as the third item on his list of legislative priorities in the state capitol of Springfield last Tuesday, when he was questioned by reporters whether he would circumvent Gov. Pat Quinn with deals, now that there is a veto-proof Democratic majority in both houses of the state legislature.
          After prioritizing “retirement security and pension reform”, Emanuel noted: “I will continue to advocate that we also pass marriage equality and end the discrimination on the books.”…
Read more:  Photo

TRENDING: 10-year-old with same-sex parents finds pen pal in President Obama – 11/20/12

For Gay Catholics, an Alternative to the Collection Plate – 11/20/12
          …Indeed, gift cards, which cannot be redeemed for cash, allow us to reaffirm our commitment to the clergy. Over the past several years, Catholic priests have had their image sullied in the public square, largely because of misguided bishops who chose to protect the church's reputation instead of removing child abusers from the ranks. The entire profession suffered as a result…
          …This non-cash tithing could result in an economic revival for Catholic parishes all over the country. It need not preclude cash gifts for specific Catholic charities and causes, like the St. Vincent de Paul Society or foreign missions. It would simply keep the anti-marriage equality movement from using faithful congregants as a major source of revenue. In this way, mainstream Catholics -the majority of whom support marriage equality for same-sex couples - can send an unmistakable message to Catholic bishops: We support our congregations and the clergy who serve them, but we also believe that love, happiness, and equal rights for everyone are part of God's plan. Read complete report:

A solution to the marriage muddle? – 11/19/12
…Accepting gay and lesbian marriage will undercut traditional marriage and further promote relativism and the secularization of society. It happens that there is no proof whatsoever that gay marriages sabotage heterosexual unions. In fact, the evidence indicates that heterosexual unions are more than adept at sabotaging themselves...


GAY MARRIAGE Nov. 2012 - The Vatican's Dead End – 11/16/12 - "Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God" - Ratzinger/Benedict XVI’s 30 years Child Sexual Abuse Cover-Ups – 11/16/12


MEA MAXIMA CULPA: Silence in the House of God - 2012 - an ARROGANT, UNFEELING institution - authority as ABSOLUTE - CANON LAW - HUSH UP - EXCOMMUNICATE the truth - BENEDICT XVI is the Single Most Knowledgeable Figure on the Church's History of Sexual Abuse – far too little done for victims or to bring violators to justice – 9/13/12 Photo