I am willing to believe Dan Cathy may have indeed been truly apologetic that some were offended by his remarks, he could be apologetic out of pity for their willful disobedience of God’s teachings... he could be apologetic for any things, but having sympathy for others anger is not denying ones own beliefs or changing them
That’s very possible, but you are absolutely correct that that adverb is meant to color what he said in a way that is inaccurate. Nowhere in this article or anywhere else has Dan Cathy stated that he has changed his personal beliefs on this matter, nor has he explicitly apologized for them.
If I say something that offend you, and then I say, I am sorry you are offended by what I said, that doesn’t mean I didn’t mean what I said, it just means I empathize with the pain you felt, not that my statement was unjustified or wrong. Showing empathy for other people is what Christ taught, it doesn’t mean that you suddenly turn your back on him because someone is personally offended by your belief.
I empathize with people I disagree with all the time, because we are all human, and despite our differences, we all need and should be treated with human dignity. That doesn’t mean for one moment that I have changed my opinion to match theirs or that I regret my opinion.
Compassion is not compromise, and at best this article shows Dan Cathy showing compassion, not remorse.
I disagree with this. George W Bush was a "compassionate conservative" correct? When didn't he compromise to the liberals? So in the context of GWB, his compassion was compromise.