The issue of same-sex relationships has become the latest hot-button issue around the world where various legislatures have approved or are considering the approval of legislation that confers legitimacy on same-sex relationships. Today, Tom McMahon provides us with his perspective on the debate presently going on in California on the so-called "Proposition #8" which has been promoted by conservative Christian groups in an endeavour to stem the tide against this trend in society.

Special political-spiritual report on the American elections...

First a case for discussion: the priest involved is Father Geoffrey Farrow and he is now looking for another job, after having preached a sermon in the City of Fresno, California. If one votes yes on Proposition #8 in the State of California one casts a ballot to do away with same-sex marriages, an issue that has been ruled constitutional by the State Supreme Court. It has been a hot button issue, particularly since the Roman Catholic bishops pushed to overturn the law, stating that it was Church Teaching that marriage was only for a man and woman.

A man and a woman just rang my doorbell, promoting "yes on 8"; she asked if I knew anything about proposition 8, "the measure to protect marriage". I asked her if she knew anything about the history of marriage from Roman days until around the 17th century and her simple reply was it was a 2000 year old institution. Little did she know of the Roman Catholic stand on Consortium, the RC's standard approach to a union of a peasant man and woman for the purposes of child bearing. Consortium is an agreement between the father of a woman and a man for the use of a daughter for bearing children dating from the days of Caesar; it dominates medieval Europe. There are more rituals for same-sex marriages during the Middle Ages than there are ceremonies for heterosexuals; the Roman Church's interest in marriage was mainly in royal and political unions. With the coming of the industrial revolution and ownership of private property by a budding middle class, the Catholic church moved in to take advantage with its laws and prohibitions ……. follow the money trail.

The Mercury News carries a half page advertisement, October 18, 2008, calling for "NO on 8". It reads in part: "following Jesus' call for justice and compassion this ad is sponsored by the Council of Churches of Santa Clara County and the following [23] congregations". Missing are the names of Roman Catholic justice clergy. If every homosexual catholic priest were to stand up tomorrow and announce from the pulpit "I am gay" I'd bet half the churches of America would not be open next week.

Fr Geoffrey Farrow Photo & Story: Boston Globe

Geoffrey Farrow will be looking for a new job while the Catholic bishops peddle their ignorance, calling it "Church teaching". It takes more than a local bishop to make "Church teaching". Priests of an older vintage will tell of the gay orientation of a cardinal in Los Angeles and we well remember the machinations of a former bishop of Santa Rosa who ordained a sex slave for his personal use. Roman Bishops have gaul in not acknowledging that nature creates a person with homosexual or lesbian orientation. The issue is medical and scientific and yet because it relates to sexuality the Roman stand pathetically brands it all as an evil. Election issues are won and lost on emotions and ignorance in America. With a third grade evaluation and education in their religion it is no wonder that the American Catholics are so easily misled and docilely kept ignorant.

I attended a talk last Saturday by Father Richard McBrien, professor of theology at Notre Dame University, his subject POLITICS AND RELIGION. McBrien calls himself a centrist. I see him as honest, brave and a man fearlessly dedicated to truth. I asked him where he stands with Rome: "Charley Curran out and where stands McBrien?" Richard spent ten minutes explaining the four year investigation of his book CATHOLICISM by the Romans, the author having solid backing from outstanding theologians. It seems in the end the Romans never fully read his hefty volume.

McBrien spoke of a few rogue American bishops who have threatened to deny communion to pro-choice political candidates — Kerry in 2004 election etc. — and how these local episcopals violate the agreement sanctioned by the American Bishops in their annual meetings; each community in America has the right to set up moral standards binding on that community, but in the diversity of America prudence calls for toleration and non-interference with the standards of other communities. The overpowering of people is driving them out of community where the issue is not clear. McBrien pointed out that if Roe vs. Wade is overturned the abortion issue will go back to jurisdiction of the States, becoming a nightmare for a governor whose daughter might abort; the aborting woman may be brought up on murder charges, an issue no American wants to tackle.

The McCain vs. Obama campaign ducks in and out of the nasty with Palin turning off more and more of the populus with her lies and personal attacks. The two candidates are being held to the issues (not all the important issues), while avoiding personal attacks. There have been signs here and there of the ugliness of Ku Klux Klan types calling for the murder of the "black man". I will be surprised if no attempts are made on Obama's life. Catholic voters are being challenged as to vote by their prejudices or reality. Race will play a defining role in this election.

It seems America means business in this election, a hurting American people very aware of the financial crisis at home and aboard. I think the young will have much to say in November as well as the women's vote. Oprah Winfrey had a fine show highlighting woman power with Gloria Steinham, Billie Jean King, and Maria Shriver. Maria, married into the famous Kennedy Democratic clan is married to Arnold S. the Governor of California, a Republican; they talked about Obama for 8 and Hillary in 2016. The Roman Church will come out of the experience more divided and confused; the day will come when the young will be asking what a bishop is.

As Porkie says "that's all folks!" I'll let you read about the results in November and maybe send a short note on how prop 8 did.

Tom McMahon, wearing a political beretum in San Jose 18/10/08

PS: Here's a copy of a letter I sent to the Editor of The Mercury News:

Image Credits: Clicking on the images in the body of the article will take you to the original source.
LINKS:
Click HERE for Google scan of latest* headlines on Proposition 8
Click HERE for Google scan of latest* headlines on Fr Geoffrey Farrow
*"Latest" at the time of publication of this article in Catholica

©2009 Tom McMahon

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