In an interview a few months ago, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said that he believes the Catholic Church should change its stand on homosexuality because, among other things, he claimed that a poll of the congregation of a Catholic Church on a Sunday would show how liberal those attending Mass were. This brings to mind a poll that was taken 2000 years ago, the first recorded poll in human history, as a result of which an innocent man, Jesus of Nazareth, was condemned to death and a murderous scoundrel, Barabbas, was released. When important decisions are taken solely to pander to public opinion rather than follow the pursuit of truth, chances are high that the wrong choices are made.

The teachings of the Church about homosexuality are clearly defined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (2357-2359). The place where sexual acts are to take place is within the context of marriage between a man and a woman. Sexual relations outside marriage, whether between heterosexual or homosexual couples, are wrong and a grave offence towards God. Those who within the Church differ about this and other moral issues are simply voicing their personal views, which are to be considered as such and which the faithful can safely ignore even if these belong to theologians, bishops or even cardinals. It should always be remembered that Golgotha was a very lonely place, not only for the main protagonist but also for the few who surrounded him.

Jacqueline Calleja

BALZAN