Open Letter to Cardinal Pujāts and priests from Roman Catholic congregations
Response from Metropolitan Community Churches to Cardinal Pujāts' statement on Pride march
May 27, 2008
An Open Letter to Cardinal Jānis Pujāts and priests from Roman Catholic congregations;
It was with great dismay that I read your letter condemning the government of Latvia, a member state of the European Union, for authorizing the Pride March in Riga on May 31, 2008. Freedom of Assembly is a fundamental Human Right equally offered to all citizens of a country. As illustrated by your letter, it becomes more critical that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered community have the freedom to march, to increase public awareness and understanding of this marginalized and often abused community.
In your letter you state that the march is against morality and the family model. It is not immoral to love, but hatred is immoral. Jesus said about his own family:
“His mothers and brothers came looking for him, but they could not get to him because of the crowd. He was told, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside and want to see you.” But he said in answer, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”
Jesus said nothing about condemnation of homosexuals, but he did have a lot to say about love: “love your neighbor, as you love yourself.”
Throughout history scripture has been used as a weapon against many groups, to justify oppression.
- It was used to keep women silent and subservient. Society has grown to understand the role of women as equal to men.
- It was used to reinforce the notice of slavery, and as a society, we now understand the possession of another human being as abhorrent.
- Hitler used scripture as a tool to justify the eradication of the Jewish community and people on the margins of society. The world raged against this horrific expression of hate.
Historically, society has reviewed, interpreted, and understood scripture, in many ways, that has harmed others, caused war, and oppressed communities and nations.
The message of Jesus was one of compassion and love. Jesus stood with the marginalized and oppressed. He took his message and ministry to the despised of his day, the poor, lepers, prostitutes and tax collectors. Jesus preached compassion and love of one’s neighbors and oneself.
Jesus never called on us to be judge and jury, but instead advocated “judge not, lest ye be judged.”
It is my fervent wish that the government of Latvia holds firm to their decision to value the rights of all people and allows the march to proceed. I remind Cardinal Jānis Pujāts and priests from Roman Catholic congregations in Latvia to remember that Jesus too stood on the margins of society. Where would Jesus stand today? Would Jesus discriminate?
I pray for peace and harmony for the people of Latvia and understand that tolerance for difference is the only way to make this possible.
Rev. Elder Diane Fisher, Bishop
Metropolitan Community Churches
