LGBT groups request statement from Pope against homophobic violence

Jesmond Micallef

Jun 10th 2011, 17:48

I support fellow human beings, the gay people, the lesbian people, the bisexual and the transgender people on thier own journey through life, one which is probably overshadowed by prejudice and other negative aspects that the "not being like the rest" brings about within the community. Furthermore, I also wish to add my support to Ms. Joanne Cassar on her struggle for her right to marriage.

Good luck to you all. You are beautiful people.

Mr Robert Callus

Jun 10th 2011, 17:37

This is very important for the LGBT community in some countries, especially Poland.

Radio Maria, apart from being staunch Catholic is the main propaganda machine for extreme right parties who are mainly homophobic and anti-Semitic. The vicious messages sent from this radio is ont of the the main causes of violence on gays and Jews in Poland.

Ironically, this strongly pro-life radio, is also in favor of the death penalty!

Christopher Bezzina

Jun 10th 2011, 11:17

Well done for Drachma for being a beacon in our country!

Stefan Limongello

Jun 10th 2011, 11:17

I cannot understand why this letter is addressed to the Pope. The authors themselves admit that

"The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that homosexual persons should be treated with respect, compassion and sensitivity."

Countries that consider homosexual acts as criminal are mainly Muslim ones. And we all know how Christians there are treated too.

And the pastor who in Malta is "converting" gays is not Catholic - I am referring to Dr. Gordon-John Manche. So the Pope is the wrong addressee.

Did Drachma send a letter to Dr. Manche? And by circulating the letter to the bishops here, they made a futile exercise. It is a known fact that the bishops here ignore Pope Benedict XVI. Two such examples suffice:

1. the letter written about how to deal with pedophile priests;

2. In July of 2007, Benedict XVI lifted restrictions on the liturgy that had existed since before Vatican II. Four years later, the Vatican has issued the instruction “Universae Ecclesiae” from comments made by bishops from around the world on the liberalization of the “Tridentine Mass”.

Can His Grace the Archbishop publish these comments? Were consultations held with people who are devoted to this rite? Or is it a secret like other reports?

If the Archbishop ignores faithful, loyal Catholics, one can imagine with those who he perceives to be hostile to the Church.

Mr Albert Farrugia

Jun 10th 2011, 11:10

Interesting. Our LGBT friends ( a classification which they, themselves have established) now what to Church to speak out. But just a few days ago so many were insisting that the Church should keep it's mouth shut! Incredible!
And then, what do they exactly mean by "the Catholic Church is called on to grant LGBT people the same fundamental right to get involved in a relationship with a beloved other without being afraid of negative consequences from church hierarchies." Are these people still living in the Middle Ages or what? What power has the Church got, nowadays to "grant" rights or to withhold them? What "negative consequences" are we talking about here? Eternal damnation?