Posted on 07/09/2014 2:27:05 PM PDT by NYer
SINGAPORE – In a pastoral letter addressed to Catholics with same-sex orientation issued on July 3rd, the Archbishop of Singapore William Goh apologized if he had hurt anyone with the way he expressed himself in a previous pastoral letter on the family, which had also addressed homosexuality. However, he again strongly reaffirmed the Church's teachings on sexuality, and announced the formation of a new ministry dedicated to helping individuals with same-sex attraction to live a sexually chaste lifestyle.
"I apologize if my initial statement conveyed insensitivity as, from your feedback, I have come to realize that there is much variation in thought and lifestyle within this community," Archbishop Goh said. However, he stressed that "as the Bishop of the local Church which is a part of the Universal Catholic Church, my primary responsibility is to instruct the Faithful in accordance with the teachings of the Universal Church."
"I am not at liberty to change the truth as revealed in sacred scripture and that which is taught by the Magisterium of the Church, with regards to sexual relationships between those of the opposite sex, same gender, or any other issues e.g. divorce, contraception, abortion etc.” he said. “What I wrote was not new but simply a restatement addressed to the Catholic Faithful."
The archbishop was referring to a June 21 pastoral letter where he explained the Church’s position is with regard to the family.
"The Catholic Church has always maintained, and continues to maintain, that the family, comprising a father, mother and children, remains the basic building block of society," Archbishop Goh wrote in that letter.
He had also written that the Church believes that when God created man and woman, He had intended for them to "Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it."
While the Church treats each individual, regardless of his sexual orientation, with sensitivity and respect, he said, "she upholds the view that LGBT sexual relationships are not in accordance with the plan of God."
"This kind of lifestyle should not be promoted by Catholics as it is detrimental to society, is not helpful to integral human development and contrary to Christian values," the archbishop had written.
He explained that the Church urges compassion and respect for homosexuals, but added that "she believes that there are ways to ensure justice and the protection of their dignity without the risk of endangering the future of the marriage institution, family and society."
In his follow-up July 3rd letter, Archbishop Goh highlighted issues arising from same-sex unions, especially the impact on children adopted and raised by same-sex couples.
"Same-sex union which evolves into the adoption and formation of children in an environment where a partner of the other gender is not represented, is contrary to the natural laws of God, and would ultimately be destructive to society and detrimental to the world and future generations," he wrote.
"This is what I was referring to in my initial statement when I used the terms ‘detriment’ and ‘destructive’. They do not refer to the individual but the consequences of such a union on society and future."
The archbishop noted that the "Church does not disapprove of a loving relationship between same-sex individuals that is chaste and faithful," and emphasized that he is "not indifferent to your pain and frustration."
"Same-sex inclination in itself is not a sin but as love often seeks to express itself physically, the challenge to be chaste and faithful to the divine plan of God is ever present," he said.
In order to help individuals in the "difficult journey to remain chaste today," Archbishop Goh revealed the formation of a pastoral initiative for Catholics with same-sex attraction.
"I have tasked the Catholic Medical Guild and the Family Life Commission to set up a pastoral group (currently being formed) for those with same-sex orientation to journey together in faith, in support of one another, so as to live out God’s call to chastity," the archbishop said. He concluded that God's grace is available for all people to "be able to live the Gospel faithfully and authentically, regardless of our sexual orientation."
The full text of Archbishop Goh's "Pastoral Letter To Catholics With Same-sex Orientation" is available here.
In an earlier "Pastoral Letter on the Catholic Church's Position on Sexuality" that addressed concerns over a government-sponsored "Frequently Asked Questions on Sexuality" website, Archbishop Goh stated that the Church will continue "to engage and work with the relevant authorities to ensure that the marriage institution and family values are upheld so that our children can be formed in an environment that is holistic, nurturing, caring and loving."
"Because the future of Singapore society and humanity at large passes by way of the family," Archbishop Goh stressed, "every Catholic should endeavor to save and foster the values and requirements of the family. This call is urgent and important because if the family is destroyed, then our society would become fragmented."
Contact info:
Most Rev. William Goh, DD, Archbishop of Singapore
Archbishop's House,
31 Victoria Street
Singapore 187997
Email: archbishop@catholic.org.sg
Somone will be sure to demonize him!
Direct, concise and absolutely true.
Can we make this guy Pope?
Just say Goh!
You can’t change Gods mind about what constitutes sin, no matter who’s feelings are hurt.
I like this guy. Wish we had a few hundred representatives in the U.S. Congress who shared his steel-like backbone.
Outstanding. Thank-you.
"This is what I was referring to in my initial statement when I used the terms ‘detriment’ and ‘destructive’. They do not refer to the individual but the consequences of such a union on society and future."
Sodomitic relationships are detrimental and destructive to the individuals involved in them, as well as to others and to society at large.
Great letter and it won’t even be mentioned on any major network, or by any politician running for office. Even Fox has sold out to the homosexual agenda. They never discuss homo “marriage” anymore. It’s a non-issue to them.
“I like this guy. Wish we had a few hundred representatives in the U.S. Congress who shared his steel-like backbone.”
I wish we had a few dozen in the US Catholic hierarchy who shared his steel-like backbone; that might eventually see your wish come true.
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