(OPINION) A Catholic diocese in Michigan has been thrust into the national spotlight after a prominent priest and author shared its guidance on transgender members and those in same-sex relationships on social media this week according to a report from NBC News.
The viral guidance, which the Diocese of Marquette issued in July, says such congregants are prohibited from being baptized or receiving Communion unless they have “repented.” An advocate said it was the “most egregious” guidance ever issued by a diocese.
It instructs the church’s priests on how to develop pastoral relationships with “persons with same-sex attraction” and “persons with gender dysphoria” and “lead them step‐by‐step closer to Jesus Christ in a manner that is consistent with the Church’s teaching.” ‘
From the Diocese of Marquette: “A person who publicly identifies as a different gender than his or her biological sex or has attempted ‘gender transitioning’ may not be Baptized, Confirmed, or received into full communion in the Church, unless the person has repented…,” ’ James Martin shared in a post.
The Daily Mail stated that Martin followed up by arguing that transgender worshippers are not sinful because of their identity and should be embraced by the church.
‘It is not a sin to be transgender. Transgender people are beloved children of God struggling to understand their identity. They need to be accepted with “respect, compassion, and sensitivity.” As Cardinal Gregory told a trans person, “You belong to the heart of this church,” ’ he added in a follow-up tweet, referencing Cardinal Wilton Daniel Gregory, is an American prelate of the Catholic Church and the archbishop of Washington.
‘The Church teaches that persons experiencing feelings of same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria is not sinful, but freely acting upon them is,’ the diocese’s instructions read. “Experiencing feelings and desires that are not in accord with the true meaning and purpose of sexuality is not sinful. To commit a sin, we must know that something is wrong and freely choose to do it.”
