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Canadian Archbishop Addresses Homosexuals With Message of Love and Chastity

VANCOUVER, July 4, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Vancouver Archbishop Raymond Roussin, in a pastoral letter last week on the passage of the same-sex 'marriage' legislation in the House of Commons addressed homosexual persons directly.  In his June 29 letter, read at all parishes in the archdiocese over the weekend, Archbishop Roussin said: "I address all persons experiencing same-sex attractions . . .  I urge you to turn to our Lord for assistance and support as we strive to live the fullness of chaste love and fellowship with one another."

The archbishop acknowledged that "Christ's way is not an easy way" but reminded his hearers that "it is the way to the fullness of Life."  He also noted that "Pastoral care of all people, including those persons with same-sex attractions, cannot be achieved in the way currently proposed by the Government of Canada."

Addressing homosexual persons he said, "may you continue to seek Christ's call to you, the call for all of us, to celebrate His gift of sexuality as a feature of what it means to be men and women who make visible the loving, caring and faithful way of Jesus Christ."

In the letter, Archbishop Roussin also addressed Canadian Senators as they are about to consider the legislation.  "Do not make the same mistake the government has made. Please do not allow this bill to become law!," he wrote.

The letter also stands defiant against the upcoming gay 'marriage' law.  "For our part, the Catholic Church will continue to recognize marriage as it is: an institution that the Church did not create, but is sworn to serve in truth."  Beyond the celebrating of marriages, the archbishop pointed out that Catholic schools and social service work will also not compromise on real marriage. "Our pastoral work, our schools, our social services, and our other ministries and social services will all continue to operate according to the true definition of marriage."

"We know that we face misunderstanding and persecution for taking this stand," said the archbishop. "However, how can we not stand up for something that is so fundamental to the human person and human society?! We are all sworn to witness to the Truth."

Archbishop Roussin closed his letter with a note of thanks and encouragement to Catholics who have stood up for real marriage.  "Relying on the way of the Cross to the Lord's resurrection, I acknowledge the valiant efforts of the many lay Catholics that have done so much to defend the definition of marriage. I call upon you to continue your efforts to uphold the truth about marriage not only in law but in every aspect of life. We know that the victory is the Lord's and that the truth will always prevail. Let us remain ever faithful, watchful, and persistent as we continue to witness to God's universal truth, in love."

See the full pastoral letter online here:
http://www.rcav.org/media/letter.htm

jhw

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