Respect without confusion

In his speech delivered in the closing session of the plenary Assembly of French Bishops (November 8) in Lourdes, the president, cardinal André Vingt-Trois rejected the "accusations of homophobia" directed against the Church for the stands on gay marriage and adoption. That of the president of the French bishops was a much-anticipated speech, following the approval by the Council of Ministers (November 7) of the bill set to legalize the marriage of same-sex couples, paving the way also to adoption. The archbishop of Paris conveyed his opposition to the bill, questioning the "relevance and urgency of the project". At the end of the plenary, card. Vingt-Trois stressed that "the very firm stance" adopted by the Catholic Church in France on "granting legal framework to gay marriage, has caused quite a stir". Respect for homosexual persons. "Of course – added the archbishop – the accusation of homophobia is the most common. But "denouncing the fraud of same-sex marriage does not prevent us from understanding the need homosexuals feel for recognition, a need this supposed marriage will not satisfy. We believe that homosexual persons are called to meet and follow Christ just like all of us are. They are also called to follow a path of holiness and the Church is always open to accompany them on this journey". In his speech Card. Vingt-Trois stressed that "once again", in this discussion "children are never mentioned". Self-expression is democratic. The president of the French bishops welcomed the initiatives undertaken by citizens and by certain organizations, which have expressed their dissent from the law. "We are pleased – he said – that within the framework of legality and respect for people, many initiatives have been taken by our fellow citizens to oppose the government proposal in its present form. Many Catholics are engaged with persons of other currents of thought or of other religions. Regardless of political boundaries, legitimate in a democracy, it is a commitment to promote the common good for our society". From Lourdes the cardinal appealed to the Catholics of France: "Catholics in our country should know that their bishops encourage them to speak, write, act and express themselves. It is their right to communicate all those things which, in the light of our faith and according to the logic of reason and common sense, they deem to essential for the present and the future". A secondary issue. "We regret that the government’s choice focuses so much public attention on an issue that’s actually secondary", the Archbishop said. "The priority concerns plaguing our fellow citizens are the consequences of the economic and financial crisis, namely, factory closings, rising unemployment, growing insecurity of the poorest families etc. All of our associations involved in social solidarity work witness deteriorating situations, especially as relates to the youth, as shown in the recent report by ‘Secours Catholique’. In these difficult times, support for family cohesion is needed more than ever. We invite all Catholics to keep their commitment in the fight against poverty in order to pursue their magnificent efforts of solidarity".