On the marriage debates.

While faithful lay Catholics sit in shock at the abuse and misuse of sexual words and sexual actions by the bishops and some priests, the hierarchy makes in increasingly clear that they have only empty bromides to hurl at the LGBT community. There is no real theological engagement on the issues of sexual diversity, nor even on the subject of developing a coherent political theology. The hierarch's side of the debate consists of statements that are assumed but not argued, couched in inflated hyperbole that is designed to inflame. Can anyone name one straight marriage in the six states that permit gay marriage that has been harmed by allowing gays and lesbians to marry? I sincerely doubt it. Can anyone name any gay and lesbian couples who have been harmed by being unable to marry legally in their home states? Yes, there are many. Couples are denied tax and inheritance and joint property and social security and health insurance benefits under the law. Children's lives are less secure socially and economically because the two loving adults who are raising them cannot legally marry. These are real people, who are really hurting.


For legislators, they must answer a question that is not, fundamentally, a theological issue. It is a political issue. The legislatures are not deciding on Church marriage rules, which have always varied from civil marriage law. The legislatures are faced with one question, really. Are there two sets of laws that apply, one to couples of two genders, and another to the disadvantage of couples of the same gender, or are all consenting adult couples equal under the law?


For the hierarchy, they need to understand that if they act like politicians they will be treated with all the respect and deference the American people give to their politicians, which is to say, almost no respect and deference. Their task, which they have failed to accept, is to encourage theological discourse that will help develop an understanding about how the Holy Spirit is working in the lives of the faithful, in our times, and how the tradition of the Church can be informed by the signs of these our times. This must reflect the best of modern science, philosophy, and anthropology, as well as current scripture scholarship.  Facile language about the resemblance of the NY State legislature to totalitarian regimes is inappropriate, and beneath the dignity of the episcopal office.