Posted on 02/04/2002 2:34:12 PM PST by AdrianZ
MONDAY FEBRUARY 04 2002
Spaniards back openly gay priest
FROM STEPHEN BURGEN IN BARCELONA
A PRIEST has announced in a gay magazine that he is an active homosexual. Father José Mantero has won widespread support from his flock, but his bishop said that “necessary measures” would be taken.
Father Mantero, 39, parish priest of Nuestra Señora del Reposo in Valverde del Camino, near the southern port of Huelva, said: “I give thanks to God for being gay. I am not exactly celibate.” A priest for ten years, he said it was his faith and love of the Church that impelled him to come out in the magazine Zero. “God gave me the strength to take this step.”
Roman Catholic Church authorities were dismayed. The Spanish Church is about to start a “back to basics” campaign to try to woo people into church. Present teaching distinguishes between homosexuality, which the Church views as an illness, and homosexual acts, which are sinful.
Mgr Ignacio Noguer Carmona, Bishop of Huelva, said that he greatly regretted Father Mantero’s actions. “Necessary measures would be taken,” his spokesman said.
The parishioners of Valverde del Camino were more inclined to forgive their priest. “He says Mass well,” Dolores Lorca, 64, said. “It would not look good if they chucked him out. Everyone is as God made them.”
Younger parishioners were not surprised. “First he started wearing an earring.” one said. “Then he dyed his hair blond. That is when people started to talk.”
With that said, he should be tossed out on his ear.
Guess that's like being a little bit pregnant. If the Bishop of that Diocese doesn't toss this sorry excuse for a priest out on his butt immediately, complete with earring and dyed hair, then there is absolutely no hope for the "New" Catholic Church.
I'll make a deal with ya. We'll send them some redneck hillbillies with a queer of each under each arm.
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