Gay couple forced out of Catholic Church
Here is a sad, but important, story which illustrates that freedom of religion is alive and well.
A gay couple decides to openly celebrate their marriage. Their church doesn't believe in same-sex marriage. Therefore, the church says they can't participate in communion, and can't take leadership roles, without renouncing their sinful ways.
Is the Archbishop a jerk? You bet. Is the Catholic Church way behind the times? Yup. Have these guys been treated like crap? No question.
But is anyone trying to force the Church to do differently? No. (Well, maybe there's some pressure from within, but that's for the Church to deal with. Best of luck with that.) You want to call yourself Catholic, you play by their dumb rules. You don't like the rules, tough. The Church has the right to stick to its guns.
Keep this story in mind when you hear the religious right say that same-sex civil marriage is interfering with freedom of religion.
A gay couple decides to openly celebrate their marriage. Their church doesn't believe in same-sex marriage. Therefore, the church says they can't participate in communion, and can't take leadership roles, without renouncing their sinful ways.
Is the Archbishop a jerk? You bet. Is the Catholic Church way behind the times? Yup. Have these guys been treated like crap? No question.
But is anyone trying to force the Church to do differently? No. (Well, maybe there's some pressure from within, but that's for the Church to deal with. Best of luck with that.) You want to call yourself Catholic, you play by their dumb rules. You don't like the rules, tough. The Church has the right to stick to its guns.
Keep this story in mind when you hear the religious right say that same-sex civil marriage is interfering with freedom of religion.