Local news
31 October 2009 15:50
 Gay activist asks President to withdraw papal invitation
|
Gay activist Patrick Attard has written a letter to President Dr George Abela asking him to withdraw the invitation to Pope Benedict XVI (Josef Ratzinger) to visit Malta unless the Pope withdraws his statements on gay and transgendered people.
According to Dr Attard, on the 1st October 1986 Cardinal Ratzinger, then Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith sent a letter to all Bishops saying that it is understandable that hate-crimes against gays increase if they are awarded more civil rights.
In his letter the pope said, "But the proper reaction to crimes committed against homosexual persons should not be to claim that the homosexual condition is not disordered. When such a claim is made and when homosexual activity is consequently condoned, or when civil legislation is introduced to protect behavior to which no one has any conceivable right, neither the Church nor society at large should be surprised when other distorted notions and practices gain ground, and irrational and violent reactions increase."
This was also echoed in his speech delivered on the 22nd December 2008 where he said that the blurring of gender leads to the auto-destruction of mankind.
"la Chiesa parla della natura dell'essere umano come uomo e donna e chiede che quest'ordine della creazione venga rispettato. Qui si tratta di fatto della fede nel Creatore e dell'ascolto del linguaggio della creazione, il cui disprezzo sarebbe un'autodistruzione dell'uomo e quindi una distruzione dell'opera stessa di Dio" stated the Pope.
According to Dr. Attard, in his writings he regularly calls gay relationships a intrinsic moral evil and objectively disordered.
"As a leader of an organisation representing more than 1 billion people his teachings spread homophobia and transphobia world-wide and justify and inspire innumerable hate-crimes against a minority whose only fault is being different"
Dr. Attard has also sent a letter to Pope Benedict XVI clarifying that not all Maltese welcome him and invite him to make an apology so that they can also welcome him.
"People who remain silent or apologise to such speeches are as guilty as a witness to a crime who fails to come forward", concluded Dr. Attard. "I am not anti-clerical or anti-Catholic and wish we could live in a country where people not only tollerate different people, but they accept them too as long as they don’t impose."
According to Dr Attard, on the 1st October 1986 Cardinal Ratzinger, then Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith sent a letter to all Bishops saying that it is understandable that hate-crimes against gays increase if they are awarded more civil rights.
In his letter the pope said, "But the proper reaction to crimes committed against homosexual persons should not be to claim that the homosexual condition is not disordered. When such a claim is made and when homosexual activity is consequently condoned, or when civil legislation is introduced to protect behavior to which no one has any conceivable right, neither the Church nor society at large should be surprised when other distorted notions and practices gain ground, and irrational and violent reactions increase."
This was also echoed in his speech delivered on the 22nd December 2008 where he said that the blurring of gender leads to the auto-destruction of mankind.
"la Chiesa parla della natura dell'essere umano come uomo e donna e chiede che quest'ordine della creazione venga rispettato. Qui si tratta di fatto della fede nel Creatore e dell'ascolto del linguaggio della creazione, il cui disprezzo sarebbe un'autodistruzione dell'uomo e quindi una distruzione dell'opera stessa di Dio" stated the Pope.
According to Dr. Attard, in his writings he regularly calls gay relationships a intrinsic moral evil and objectively disordered.
"As a leader of an organisation representing more than 1 billion people his teachings spread homophobia and transphobia world-wide and justify and inspire innumerable hate-crimes against a minority whose only fault is being different"
Dr. Attard has also sent a letter to Pope Benedict XVI clarifying that not all Maltese welcome him and invite him to make an apology so that they can also welcome him.
"People who remain silent or apologise to such speeches are as guilty as a witness to a crime who fails to come forward", concluded Dr. Attard. "I am not anti-clerical or anti-Catholic and wish we could live in a country where people not only tollerate different people, but they accept them too as long as they don’t impose."
More Local news
Woman confesses to killing eight of her children
Hot Tiffany is diplomatic too..
Adoption discrimination due to law change delays
Following a refuse truck in Hughes Hallet Str. Sliema
Speed Cameras. About safety or revenue?
One Productions, the official station for tomorrow’s Wintermoods Concert
Festa Familja
PN Councillor's involvement in bribery allegations causes stir in PN circles
The Sliema Residents Association continuing to criticise the Sliema Local Council.
Court rules Minister Cristina was incorrect in sacking employees
Hip replacement hope from stem cell technique
Archbishop Monsignor Paul Cremona visits Mriehel summer school students
Malta's investment at 15% between 2000 and 2009
Youth acquitted of alleged theft
Calleja to wow crowds tonight
Comments
Zack - 18 November 2009 19:52
I agree with Dr. Attard. Racism is racism, if it is wrong to hate and destroy one another because of the color of our skin or because of our gender then it just as wrong to destroy and belittle those that love the same sex. It's all the same, but racism has many faces. If we are to TRULY rid this world of racism then the people of the world MUST come together and fight and eradicate it whenever and wherever it shows it's ugly face.
carmel callus - 06 November 2009 12:22
Dr Attard has to understand that what is wrong, according to the Church's teaching, for heterosexuals is also wrong for homosexuals. And yes, the Pope is more than welcome in Malta, whether Dr Attard likes it or not. Dr Attard has to learn to tolerate others as much as he expects others to tolerate him.
francis Nguyen - 03 November 2009 01:02
Everyone is Gos's child, yes. The Pope always teachs that. He asks we loves and resspect one another sincerely and deeply. BUT, we must not tolerate sins. The Pope is doing what our Lord Jesus did, loves all sinners but hates all sins. If the Pope does not have courage to speake up what Jesus wishes, who else would?
V Cassar - 01 November 2009 10:43
This is ridiculous... we are at a point where we are asked to be tolerant but on the other hand the tolerated feel that they should dictate what should be done to the rest US!!! If anybody is offended by the presence of the Pope then one may opt to not participate during his visit...very simple man!!!
Carmel Grech - 01 November 2009 10:22
Homosexual people are God's children too. Is this, dear Ratzinger, how Jesus our real Lord, taught you to treat them. I am more than persuaded that you are homophofic, maybe a non professing homosexual, or . . . . . . . there are so many gay priests around you to entertain you!
Peter - 01 November 2009 03:40
Dear Dr. I feel very sorry for you. The Pope teaches the teaching of Christ - look what St. Paul says about homosexual as well as gay.
I think that first you should ask for appology Jesus Christ and St. Paul. I hope that you are doing good.
David Pace - 31 October 2009 18:52
I can't understand the words of someone who supposedly rules in the footsteps of Jesus Christ who used to mingle freely with whores and lepers.
Also, isn't it a bit hypocritical for the Pope to utter such words when the priesthood is riddled with closet homosexuals and child molesters.
I agree with Mr. Attard that Pope Benedict is not a reconcialatory Pope and his words will continue to fan the flames of homophobia among Catholics which is a shame.
Guzi - 31 October 2009 17:23
Skuzi ta, imma bir-rispett kollu, min jahsbu li huma certi nies? Mela ghax ftit nies ma jaqblux mal-Papa jahsbu li jistghu icahhdu eluf ohra li jiena cert li jixtiequ jaraw lir-raghaj spiritwali taghna f' artna?