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Fr. Thomas posted (in the thread on where are the bishops):

"Those who are arguing vigorously against the state upholding any moral laws regarding sexual activity are using this as an excuse to justify their behavior (or the behavior of others). They are not simply trying to defend a sense of American "freedom" or "privacy" but are soothing a torn conscience which, deep down inside, knows, (as St. Paul so aptly wrote in Romans) is acting against standards that are written, not just in laws, not just in the word of God, but in the stirrings of the human heart that God fashioned in His image, and created to grow in His likeness."

Dear Father,

I must protest your comments. They make assumptions and conclusions on posters who have posted on civil matters with no basis cited.

As part of the thread, another poster and I had a serious and respectful discussion that did not call into question the teachings of any Church. The matter was about civil law. It was a discussion, was neither an attack on morality or Christian theology or doctrine. Simply presenting an opinion about what the law is or how government should operate does not constitute an endorsement of sin.

I think it is safe to say that you do not know me, the state of my conscience, or much else about my state in life but what I have posted here. You, with all due respect, are not my confessor nor my pastor. I believe that your comments in this area are uncalled for and undeserved.

Your concern for our homosexual brothers and sisters is most commendable as is your restatement of Christian teaching. Your comments on the intentions and motivations of others in posting as stated above seem beyond the pale of fairness and justice and pastoral practice.

I mean no disrespect to you, after all you are a priest. But I call for you to extend respect to the rest of us who are baptized.

I think that, unless one has knowledge, personal and sure, that it is not the case, one posting here should assume that fellow posters here love the Church and her teachings (unless they say something to the contrary). I ask, respectfully, that an assessment of the state of someone's soul or psyche be undertaken only when someone responds to your generous offer to be there for anyone needing your help. Blanket assessments such as the one above seem to me to be inappropriate in an internet forum.

Father, perhaps I have misread or misunderstood what you have said. If that is the case, I apologize.

Thank you for hearing me out.

Steve

Dear Steve,

I'm not getting between you two .

But I think that Fr. Thomas, whose Nameday is coming up this Sunday (Many Years, Father!), can only say what he has about the connection between legislation and morality.

And, ideally, our laws are set up that way - no argument.

It is just that the notion of what IS morality has undergone change (ie. "changing community standards") and the argument of "separation of church and state" has further led to courts seeing a chasm between laws meant to protect the peace in the state and Christian morality.

I don't think Father was being mean to you, any more than the Administrator was being mean to me in the multi-posted thread above.

Alex

Dear Alex,

Thank you for your concern and your comments.

Simply put, I cannot agree after rereading Fr. Thomas's comments many times. The issue there seems to be a judgement of the psyche and moral position of posters engaged in legitimate discussion, clear and simple. That is inappropriate in my estimation and clearly a stepping over the bounds of civility and justice let alone pastoral practice.

If I am mistaken, I'd really like to hear that from Fr. Thomas.

Sorry to have to raise the issue, but I believe that comments like those cited in my posting cast a chill over discussion here. I'd be most happy never having to address this kind of thing at all. Unfortunately, that is not possible.

Thanks again, Alex.

Steve

Dear Steve,

You are welcome!

And you live in a beautiful part of the world!

Alex

Dear Alex,

Sorry I haven't been able to respond till now.

Indeed South Florida is quite beautiful. But so is Southern Ontario. Toronto is truly a cosmopolitan city.

Lots of Ukrainians there, it seems. :rolleyes:

Steve