Who are we to judge?

For broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 4 Aug 2013.

In a candid interview with journalists on his way back to Rome, after attending the Catholic World Youth Day in Brazil, Pope Francis is reported to have indicated a new attitude of conciliation between his church and homosexuals.  In fact, he said:

“If someone is gay and seeks the Lord with good will, who am I to judge? The problem is not having this orientation, it is lobbying. That’s the most serious problem.”

All churches of good will want people everywhere to “seek the Lord with good will,” regardless of their race, class, gender, politics or sexuality.  It is central to the mission to which God calls us.

What churches and people of faith do not need is constant pressure from lobbyists and revisionist public policy activists to overturn religious beliefs and customs that are based on faithful readings of sacred Scriptures, freedom of religion, and freedom of conscience.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.