Condemn French Catholic Church for Homophobic Prayer
- by: Carin C
- recipient: Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois, the Catholic Archbishop of Paris
The French Catholic Church has outraged the LGBT community with its “Prayer for France”, which was read out in churches across the country as part of the Feast of the Assumption celebrations (15 August).
The prayer is an attempt to mobilise the French population against the Socialist Government's plans to give same sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples. Gay rights activists claim that the wording of the prayer is homophobic. Furthermore, many criticise the church for interfering in politics, saying that the Church and the State should remain separate. According to Nicolas Gougain of the Inter LGBT activist group, “We can count on getting a majority in parliament and no prayer will be able to block this necessary legislation."
Elisabeth Saint-Guily of Gay Christian group David and Jonathan said “The Bible says, 'Love thy neighbour as yourself'. We would like the bishops to apply this maxim. They should love all their neighbours, including homosexuals.”
We the undersigned are upset by the homophobic comments made during the Prayer for France this Assumption Day.
Firstly, it is unfair to determine the quality of a child's upbringing by the sex of their parents. In today's society the traditional mother-father family set up is no longer the reality. Therefore, it is important that all parents, regardless of gender receive the rights and support that they and their children deserve.
Secondly, the Catholic Church should not get involved in political matters. Their role is religious guidance and the democratically elected government is responsible for determining laws.
We ask that you refrain from prejudicing against the LGBT community in the future.
Thank you for your attention.
