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Here's what a belligerent fop had to say yesterday:

Editor, Naples Daily News:

Once again the moribund hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church makes a pronouncement that is supposed to shake all of us into moral rectitude. This time they speak out against gay marriage as an act contrary to "natural moral law."

Why is it contrary? Because it follows that a loving union between people of the same sex cannot result in progeny.

Following this logic, is any conjugal act between a married, post-menopausal, heterosexual couple (where the female is definitely past child-bearing age) an act contrary to natural moral law, since no progeny will result?

The church would say no, because this physical act is the result of the "holy" love between a man and a woman. The church is silent on why the love between a married, post-menopausal, heterosexual couple is more sacred than the love between two men or two women.

Oh, they will cite scripture as condemning same-sex love. But that boat won't float because scripture condemns many acts and has numerous behaviors proscribed which the church conveniently overlooks. Why are these other forbidden behaviors overlooked? Because the times have changed since the Good Book was written (by men) and the church has survived these many years by interpreting scripture in a relational manner to the times. Didn't someone once ask, "Is man made for the law or the law made for man?"

The church itself teaches that the law of the Old Testament is abrogated by baptism. The freedom obtained in baptism is intended to make room for a new guide or principle. That new guide is Jesus. And nowhere does His testament condemn homosexuality.

There is only one "natural moral law" that stands the test of time and runs as a seamless thread through all cultures.

That is the principle that states: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

I think that is what the lesson of faith in the Prince of Peace was — no more and no less. It is time for the Catholic Church to be truly catholic and get back on track with it original mission.

— Daniel del'Ala/Naples