Trouble of a different sort in Jerusalem

The Vatican Information Service is carrying this update from the Holy See Press Office on the contoversial Gay Pride parade that planners hope to carry out in Jerusalem.

“With regret it was learned that, … on November 10, a so-called ‘demonstration of homosexual pride’ is due to take place in Jerusalem.

“Reiterating the pronouncements of the Catechism of the Catholic Church concerning people with deep-seated homosexual tendencies (para. 2358), the Holy See expresses its intense disapproval of this initiative, because it constitutes a grave affront to the feelings of millions of Jewish, Muslim and Christian believers, who all recognize the sacred character of the city of Jerusalem and ask that their beliefs be respected.

“In the light of these factors and considering that on previous occasions religious values have been systematically offended, the Holy See nourishes the hope that the matter may be given due reconsideration.

“A note to the same effect has been presented by the apostolic nunciature in Israel to that country’s ministry for foreign affairs.”

That note, written in English, begins: “The Holy See has reiterated on many occasions that the right to freedom of expression, sanctioned by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is subject to just limits, in particular when the exercise of this right would offend the religious sentiments of believers.”

I seem to recall an incident in San Francisco several months ago in which a group of Christians praying peacefully on the steps of the city courts got shouted down by an angry group of gay activists because the presence of the Christians offended them. Don’t they see the incoherence of this, themselves?

I continue to hope that — beyond prayer — the sheer appeal to reason is the best path to changing hearts and minds. It’s not been a good stretch for appealing to reason lately. But nobody does that better than Benedict.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *