...for Christians who uphold the traditional teachings on sexual morality.
Today's news reports that a policeman overheard a Christian speaker telling some one in the street that homosexual activity was sinful. The preacher, a Mr Dale McAlpine, has been charged for causing "harrassment, alarm or distress" after the policeman, a "community support officer" heard him listing homosexuality as among sins listed in the Scriptures. The preacher has said he did not mention it when listing various sins in his sermon, but mentioned it in a discussion with a passing shopper, saying it was contrary to the word of God. The police say that he said it in a voice loud enough to be overheard. He is now awaiting trial.
Of course, we do not know what the preacher said. Perhaps he failed to make the distinction between an inclination towards homosexuality and participation in homosexual acts. But the scene is a worrying one.
Will we risk arrest when we pass on the teaching of the Church?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
"2357. Homosexuality refers to relations between men or between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex. It has taken a great variety of forms through the centuries and in different cultures. Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained. Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity, tradition has always declared that "homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered." They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved.
2358. The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.
2359. Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection."
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
An interesting question for Catholics. In my experience, Street Evangelists, in the main tend to be from Reformed, Evangelical Free Churches, the Salvation Army or just individuals who feel to evangelise in that way.
Within the CofE, we tend to be there to listen, rather than to proselytize. We offer opportunities to meet us, but do not get in people's faces.
I have yet to meet an RC Evangelist on the high street, in this fashion, and I suspect that I never will.
As you highlight, the circumstances of this case are not clear - allegedly, a complaint was made to a PCSO, who turned out to be a LBGT activist for his force, who called out Police Officers to deal with the complaint, as it is outwith the PCSO's powers to deal with it.
Hate crime legislation is very arbitary - if something that I say offends you - a complaint laid against me, could in theory be charged under this legislation.
On the face of it, this is an example of a hammer being used to crack a nut, however, without possession of the full facts, it is difficult to form an opinion.
Whether or not you agree with the individuals views - his right to free speech is being curtailed.
Of course - this legislation was drafted and implemented by the current Government - who as always appear to over legislate.
To many laws - not enough common sense.
Yes, things are going to be difficult for Britian, especially if David Cameron gets in. saying that the Pope is wrong and that he should change.
Anne Widdecombe once siad that Cameron does not have a Christian bone in his body.
allegedly, a complaint was made to a PCSO, who turned out to be a LBGT activist for his force, who called out Police Officers to deal with the complaint, as it is outwith the PCSO's powers to deal with it.
What an amazing coincidence that the person who lodged the complaint made it to someone who was a LBGT activist. Hmmm
Post a Comment