OutFront Responds to Anti-Gay Comment by Archbishop

Ann DeGroot, executive director of OutFront Minnesota, penned a great response to Archbishop Nienstedt's recent article about gays and lesbians and their families and friends:

In this article we see nothing new -- homosexuality is immoral, hate the sin and love the sinner, don't give public platforms to those who oppose the church's teachings. Whether we agree or not, most of us know that this is the Catholic Church's current perspective.

But then we see this statement: "Those who actively encourage or promote homosexual acts or such activity with a homosexual lifestyle formally cooperate in grave evil and, if they do so knowingly and willingly, are guilty of mortal sin."

My goodness, does this mean that my parents, siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins are committing a mortal sin by allowing me, my partner and our son into their homes? They are supportive of our family -- you might even say encouraging. What does this mean about them?

What about the thousands of parents, children and family members who stand up for their children no matter what and love them, support them and speak up for them? In order to be good Catholics, must they now uninvite them to Christmas dinner to save their own souls? And how many other everyday acts of common charity become a "grave evil" and result in mortal sin? What a position to put people in!

Check out the Star Tribune for the whole response.