THE PARISH priest of Santisimo Rosario in UST has clarified that he did not authorize the distribution of leaflets opposing same-sex marriage inside the University chapel, as he underscored the Catholic Church’s teaching against discrimination.
Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P. told the Varsitarian he would not tolerate the distribution of unauthorized materials but pointed out he had no control over leaflets and chain letters left inside the chapel.
“What I can say is that in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church, we do not discriminate,” Coronel said.
Coronel said he was unable to get a copy of the leaflet titled “Science Facts on Homosexual Unions,” a photo of which circulated on social media and generated criticism against UST and its alleged source, Courage Philippines, a Catholic ministry for gays.
The leaflet, which Coronel said did not bear the approval of the Archdiocese of Manila, contained a summary of a study on same-sex marriage published by American Christian group Family Research Council.
Coronel, who is also UST’s social media chief, said the parish adheres to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which states that homosexuals are to be treated with “respect, compassion, and sensitivity.”
He stressed that “everyone is called to holiness.”
“God loves everyone. It’s sad, even the Church is put in a bad light. That’s why I underscore respect, compassion and sensitivity,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Courage not behind leaflets
Courage Philippines, an apostolate focused on spiritual guidance for people with same-sex attraction, denied printing and distributing the leaflets but said it upholds the Church’s teachings against same-sex marriage.
“Courage did not print nor distribute this material. We do not have any institutional linkage with UST for us to do so. And, we also refrain from participating in political issues as we are not a political lobby group,” Courage Philippines President Edwin Valles told the Varsitarian in an email.
He noted that the leaflet only referred people to Courage for “pastoral care.” But the persons behind the leaflet distribution did not inform his group.
“While we would have appreciated to be informed of such, the spirit behind the inclusion of Courage details in that pamphlet was towards pastoral care for persons with same-sex attraction who may need support,” he said.
‘Marriage between one man, one woman’
Valles emphasized that the Church “upholds and defends the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman” and “As a Catholic group, it should not come as a surprise that Courage supports and defends this as well.”
“There are many means to preach and to live out this Truth. The people behind the pamphlet opted for pamphleting. It is not the Courage way because our efforts are towards supporting persons with same-sex attraction who choose to live chaste lives faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church. But both share the same spirit of witnessing to the Good News of the Church and its teachings,” he said.
“Having said that, since the details in the pamphlet are a summary of research results, citing the source/s would have made the message more credible, transparent and clearer,” he added. With a report from Joel Sebastian D. Cristobal
Editor’s note: This story was revised to more accurately reflect the context of the statements made by the persons interviewed. Below are the responses of Courage Philippines to questions sent by the Varsitarian through email:
Questions:
1) What is your reaction that the source of the pamphlet referred to your organization “for counseling”?
2) Also, does your organization support or maybe approve of the distribution of these pamphlets?
Answers:
1. Courage is known within the Catholic circle as the support group for persons with same-sex attraction, especially among those very active in the Church. While we would have appreciated to be informed of such, the spirit behind the inclusion of Courage details in that pamphlet was towards pastoral care for persons with same-sex attraction who may need support. This is the spirit of Courage too.
2. The Church upholds and defends the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman. As a Catholic group, it should not come as a surprise that Courage supports and defends this as well. There are many means to preach and to live out this Truth. The people behind the pamphlet opted for pamphleting. It is not the Courage way because our efforts are towards supporting persons with same-sex attraction who choose to live chaste lives faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church. But both share the same spirit of witnessing to the Good News of the Church and its teachings.
3. Having said that, since the details in the pamphlet are a summary of research results, citing the source/s would have made the message more credible, transparent and clearer.
The Roman Church does discriminate. In 2014 a Dominican priest denied communion to Ryan & I due to our relationship. We have since joined the Episcopal Church in the Philippines. I would encourage all Gays/Lesbians to immediately leave to Roman Church for a church that is accepting. Certainly do not give the Roman Church any money or support.