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Mar. 9th, 2010
Two news stories out today - in one, a Catholic school refuses to enroll the child of two lesbians. In another, the Catholic Charities (part of the Roman Catholic church) withdraws health benefits from the spouses of all employees rather than risk having to give benefits to the same-sex spouse of an employee.
I question why either of these is really news. The Roman Catholic church has a long history of intolerance and hate. Throughout its history, it has always maintained at least one group to demonize; and by uniting the faithful through hatred, it has maintained and grown its power and wealth. Heretics, witches, Jews, blacks, gays - any group will do to focus the hatred of their congregation. (Oh - with one exception - pedophiles, who when exposed in the priesthood are given a pay rise by the Catholic church and moved out of the spotlight).
I cannot for the life of me understand 'gay Catholic' movements. It's a bit like a turkey applying for entrance to a slaughter house at Thanksgiving. Why would you go where you know you will be a target? There are plenty of churches that affirm the rights of gays and lesbians; so why torture yourself trying to stay inside an organization that so clearly and absolutely rejects you? Why be a part of the machinery of hate, intolerance, an organization dedicated to the persuit of worldly wealth and power - all elements that would be an anathama to Jesus Christ?
The fact is, the leadership of the Roman Catholic church has never, ever been about service to God. It has always been a quasi-political organization concentrated on earthly gains, fueled by the mindless devotion (and donations) of its followers. Were someone to found this church today, it would be roundly and appropriately condemned as a cult, equivalent to scientology or the moonies.
I question why either of these is really news. The Roman Catholic church has a long history of intolerance and hate. Throughout its history, it has always maintained at least one group to demonize; and by uniting the faithful through hatred, it has maintained and grown its power and wealth. Heretics, witches, Jews, blacks, gays - any group will do to focus the hatred of their congregation. (Oh - with one exception - pedophiles, who when exposed in the priesthood are given a pay rise by the Catholic church and moved out of the spotlight).
I cannot for the life of me understand 'gay Catholic' movements. It's a bit like a turkey applying for entrance to a slaughter house at Thanksgiving. Why would you go where you know you will be a target? There are plenty of churches that affirm the rights of gays and lesbians; so why torture yourself trying to stay inside an organization that so clearly and absolutely rejects you? Why be a part of the machinery of hate, intolerance, an organization dedicated to the persuit of worldly wealth and power - all elements that would be an anathama to Jesus Christ?
The fact is, the leadership of the Roman Catholic church has never, ever been about service to God. It has always been a quasi-political organization concentrated on earthly gains, fueled by the mindless devotion (and donations) of its followers. Were someone to found this church today, it would be roundly and appropriately condemned as a cult, equivalent to scientology or the moonies.