Of Fidelity and Faith

 By Barney Byrne

In her "Of Fidelity and Faith", column on Sunday 12/15/2013 columnist, Kate Fratti castigates the Catholic Church for it's firing of teacher, Michael Griffin  from his position at Holy Ghost Preparatory School because of his stated intention to marry his same-sex partner. She implies that because she feels it is moral and right that same sex couples should  be allowed to marry then it is only moral and proper for the Catholic Church to institute her principles and beliefs into their Church's teachings.  Talk about your  Chutzpua.

    Every religion has it's core beliefs and principles.  One of the Catholic Church's core principles, is that a marriage is between one man and one woman.  In the Bible, it is said that a man and a woman should leave their parents and become as one.  It does not say that a man and a man, or a woman and a woman shall leave their parents and become as one.. Kate goes on to state that the Church teaches that Mr. Griffin is less than other Catholics and is not afforded the same rights.  This is a false statement, as he has the same right to marry a member of the opposite sex, as every other member.  The Church has also shown it's willingness to show it's compassion by agreeing with civil unions between same sex partners.

     She states that Mr. Griffin swears he was not seeking to advocate for gay marriage or to rock anyone's boat, but she goes onto say, he may be seeking legal action against the Church.  She also states, "A Catholic institution is founded on the teachings of the Church, and is obligated to uphold them.  Yet, she then says Catholics should privately, quietly and steadily press for change.  What Kate and many cafeteria Catholics fail to understand is that the Catholic Church has core principles that it will not relinquish.  Those who are not willing to follow those principles are in no way forced to join or remain in the Catholic Church.  

 Note: Kate Fratti is a columnist for the Bucks County Courier Times.

 Barney Byrne is a retired postmaster, who resides in Doylestown Township, PA with his wife, Barbara.