Church must teach with compassion

by Letters Editor · May 29, 2014

From Francis Boulle, Cape Town

There has been much correspondence regarding the issues of homosexuality, abortion and contraception. I do not wish to align myself with any of the views for or against these issues. It is not that I favour any or all such issues, rather that I cannot bring myself to judge or condemn anyone.

I know homosexuals, I know people who have had abortions, I know people who practise contraception. I cannot judge them � judge not and you will not be judged (Mt 7:1). Our Redeemer�s own words are to love God, neighbour and self (Mk 12:30-31). I cannot do otherwise.

Until I have walked one mile in another�s shoes I cannot fully understand that person�s actions. I can, of course, love the person and hate the action � I do not even bring myself to use the more usual �sin/sinner� wording because that judges.

The important thing is that I must understand why that action was taken, and in truth I cannot because I do not know all the circumstances that led up to the action.

A homosexual may not have deliberately chosen that lifestyle, the reasons for the abortion are not known to me, and those practising contraception have spoken of the huge relief this brought about in their marriage and family life.

I am totally unable to condemn any of these; they are my neighbours.

Of course the Church must continue to teach and my prayer is that she teaches with compassion. Evangelii Gaudium is such an exhortation.