lifesitenews--2020-01-17--Dutch bishop: Pope Benedict had ‘duty to speak out’ in defense of priestly celibacy

January 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Dutch bishop Robert Mutsaerts , auxiliary bishop of ’ s-Hertogenbosch ( Den Bosch ) , said he “ understands ” the reason why Pope Benedict contributed to the priestly celibacy debate in the book he co-authored with Cardinal Sarah , Des profondeurs de nos cœurs ( From the Depths of our Hearts ) .
“ If there are ambiguities , you have to create clarity , ” he said in an interview with LifeSiteNews ( read full interview below ) .
“ No matter the priest or bishop concerned , it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are in the hierarchy , the higher your responsibility , and also your duty to speak out , ” said the Dutch bishop , who is well known for his own outspokenness .
Bishop Mutsaerts recently signed the “ Protest against Pope Francis ’ s sacrilegious acts ” that went online on November 12 as a public reaction after the Pachamama scandals at the Amazon Synod .
He has not hesitated to express criticism of the present “ paradigm shift , ” also calling the Amazon Synod “ the most politically correct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously denounced the Youth Synod , which lacked “ credibility ” in the wake of the sex abuse crisis , he told LifeSite at the time .
On the internet , he has authored regular and vigorous posts on his blog “ Paarse Pepers ” ( Purple Peppers ) denouncing the present “ paradigm shift ” in the Church .
In this new interview with LifeSite , Bishop Mutsaerts speaks of the important role of priestly celibacy and the uselessness of scrapping it at a time when young vocations are all of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the liberalism of the post–Vatican II Netherlands .
Going farther , he points out that the present crisis in the Church is above all one of faith and of ignorance of the reality of Jesus Christ , Son of God .
Below is the full text of Bishop Mutsaerts ’ s interview with LifeSite .
LifeSiteNews : You say the issue of Christian celibacy is central to the Church .
Why is that ?
Bishop Robert Mutsaerts : It ’ s about more than celibacy .
Celibacy touches on the identity of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then it also touches on the sacraments .
After all , we are a sacramental church .
So it ’ s not just a small item ; it touches a lot more .
If you push it aside , many things will follow .
I know , it ’ s positioned as if it is to be allowed only in a small number of exceptional cases .
But — and you know this — one thing leads to another .
Besides , it ’ s about principles , and as far as I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put them aside because of pragmatic circumstances .
LSN : Were you surprised to hear that the pope emeritus cooperated on the project ?
BRM : On the one hand , he ’ s pope emeritus , and he ’ s moved to the background , and that ’ s very wise .
But I can also imagine that when it comes to something essential , he thinks he has to speak out — which , by the way , applies to everyone : to every bishop or priest or even to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have to create clarity .
This , by the way , is the primary task of Pope Francis : to create clarity .
That is what popes stand for .
That is the problem , because there is of course a lot of confusion and therefore also division .
I try to do that myself ; however unpleasant it may be , you speak out when you think things just don ’ t add up .
And no matter the priest or bishop concerned , it is also a duty – and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the higher your responsibility , and also your duty to speak out .
So that ’ s how I understand this affair .
Of course , we don ’ t at all know what Pope Francis is going to write , so maybe the book doesn ’ t contradict Pope Francis .
We have no idea ... That ’ s a bit typical of our times .
LSN : The pope emeritus and Cardinal Sarah “ humbly ” ask Pope Francis to hold on to that which he himself has said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of celibacy .
Is the book presented in the Netherlands as a kind of action against the pope ?
BRM : Pope Benedict and also Cardinal Sarah of course see certain tendencies , also as a result of the Amazon Synod .
They are simply concerned about the Church they love .
Yes , out of concern you can of course write about a certain subject , in this case celibacy .
This does not necessarily mean going directly against the pope , but to the noises you ’ re hearing , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You say priestly celibacy is not just an organizational rule , but it is something essential to the Church , something that of course has existed for a very long time , and for good reasons .
And before it existed , there were a kind of Josephite marriages , so at the time it actually existed , even though priests were married .
What also plays a part : A priest is an alter Christus .
Jesus Himself was also a man and not just a human being .
We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a human being .
That is not at all the expression of a negative judgment of corporeality or sexuality ; we have never had that .
Look at the Song of Songs ; see how seriously we take it .
But precisely because we take it seriously , we have to be clear about it .
Nowadays it is said : once healthy sexuality meant a big family .
Now that approach is presented as something negative in the context of “ overpopulation , ” and also as something repressive .
Today we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , frankly .
It ’ s a curious form of freedom — as long as there are no children being conceived , let everyone do what he wants .
That , of course , is a morality that is pernicious .
LSN : Is there demand among young priests , or young men who think about the priesthood , for the abolition of celibacy ?
The pope emeritus and Cardinal Sarah both say : we meet many young men and priests who suffer from the fact that it is said that celibacy is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support those young men .
BRM : I think that is correct .
If you look at the young clergy , they are not asking for married priesthood at all .
For them , celibacy is not only a sacrifice , but , above all , a gift .
The dissolution of celibacy is primarily related to the reigning crisis of faith .
We also have a whole vocation crisis as a result of the crisis of faith , and you can not solve it by making things easier and more flexible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ many people who feel called to the priesthood and who would be willing to devote themselves to the priesthood if they could get married .
I don ’ t believe any of that .
If you look at the young clergy and the vocations that we have now , in this day and age , there is really only one kind : the orthodox kind .
Those liberal ideas are those of a completely different generation ; the present generation doesn ’ t want any of them .
We remember the time of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was in the Netherlands : people were looking forward to the dissolution of celibacy and they were enormously disappointed when that turned out not to be the case .
That was actually a Dutch issue at the time , because in my opinion , it played much less in other countries .
It ’ s just an expression of a crisis of faith and of a strange conception of sexuality and of celibacy itself .
Priestly celibacy is not just a rule ; there really is a theological foundation .
That ontological link @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body and soul — that is a being , because of course there is no dualism .
Jesus didn ’ t even choose Mary as an apostle , and if anyone was above all others and holier than holy , it was Mary .
We can ’ t just ignore that .
Even less should one appeal to what was cultural then , because for Jesus , that is not true at all .
Saint Paul says this very clearly : there are no men , no women , no Greeks , no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was standing up for equality and equal dignity , it was the Catholic Church and the early Christian community .
LSN : In the French press , Cardinal Sarah has been sullied because of the very traditional expression of his faith .
Is that also the case in the Netherlands ?
BRM : He is , of course , portrayed as extremely conservative — so am I .
Usually this means they ’ re very Catholic , and they hold on to old norms and values — and on good grounds .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the times .
We should bring the world to the Gospel and not the other way around .
LSN : Benedict and Sarah clearly spoke against the scrapping of celibacy , even for exceptional situations .
Cardinal Sarah even says in the book that the Eastern Catholic Churches are turning back on the possibility of choosing priests among married men .
BRM : He was already quite clear about it in his last book .
All those things that are asked from the secular Catholic side have long been possible in the Anglican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bishops , but their crisis has only gotten worse , even bigger than ours : it doesn ’ t solve anything .
You don ’ t create vocations with it , and the apostasy doesn ’ t diminish .
On the contrary .
We have to go back to the roots .
If the Church wants to survive , there is only one way , as it has always been : orthodoxy .
Of course , we also need to set a good example and make work of it : ora et labora @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is useless .
Look at the history of the Church : it only leads to weakening .
The Church needs reform , but not slackening .
The risk that the Church becomes bourgeois is always lurking ; sometimes we have to look again where we stand and return to basics .
What I found a very interesting book from last year was Rod Dreher ’ s Benedict Option : regrouping to strengthen your faith , making sure it doesn ’ t fade away , and encouraging each other to come back stronger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celibacy , but at the moment there is confusion about many other points of the Church ’ s teaching , which we do not see being held up by Rome .
Do you think that the issue of celibacy is the most important , or that we should not forget that there are other issues as well ?
BRM : Of course , it is not the most important subject .
Man is called to holiness , and is possible only if we first make clear who Christ is .
That stands at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that in so many things .
The other day , a priest was invited to Brabant to explain the Christmas story , and his thesis was , it is impossible to explain to modern people that a virgin gets pregnant , and then tell them such a sentimental story of sheep and shepherds and three kings who come looking ... His thesis wa , : it actually wasn ’ t true , you have to read it like a fairy tale with a certain interpretation .
And then he gives an example : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of course not , he says , because Bethlehem means “ city of bread , ” and that has a certain meaning , and that is why Luke positions it there .
As long as we are keeping busy with this kind of nonsense , and lead people astray , we will get farther and farther away from home !
We have such good arguments , historical and rational ; maybe we should be bringing those up to start with .
Not that arguments turn people into believers , but you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first .
At confirmations , when I know in advance that the confirmands will be gathered before the ceremony , I come a bit early to join them , and then we ’ ll have a chat .
They are pleasant young people .
But when it comes down to it and I ask : what kind of book is that Bible — a fairy tale book , something like Harry Potter , or a history book like Julius Caesar ?
They almost always say : “ A fairy tale book , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you know how far from home we are .
We ’ re below freezing point .
We should work on that first , because if we don ’ t know who Christ is ...
I don ’ t think the problem for those children is the miracles , but “ who is Christ , ” and if you can interpret that correctly , then you are going to be able to give those miracles a place , and then you are going to put the proclamation in a different light , and only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not for nothing that in the profession of faith , nothing is said about Jesus , nothing about His proclamation , nothing about His miracles , nothing about the Sermon on the Mount or whatever : only that He was born of the Virgin Mary , crucified , died , buried , and resurrected .
In other words , you ’ re talking about God ’ s son .
There are so many Catholics who don ’ t realize that at all , or who don ’ t believe anymore , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the transformation of the consecration , the transubstantiation .
If all that falls away , and it is those people who are going to plead about celibacy , then you know they will be betting on the wrong horse .

January 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Dutch bishop Robert Mutsaerts, auxiliary bishop of ’s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch), said he “understands” the reason why Pope Benedict contributed to the priestly celibacy debate in the book he co-authored with Cardinal Sarah, Des profondeurs de nos cœurs (From the Depths of our Hearts).
“If there are ambiguities, you have to create clarity,” he said in an interview with LifeSiteNews (read full interview below).
“No matter the priest or bishop concerned, it is also a duty — and the higher you are in the hierarchy, the higher your responsibility, and also your duty to speak out,” said the Dutch bishop, who is well known for his own outspokenness.
Bishop Mutsaerts recently signed the “Protest against Pope Francis’s sacrilegious acts” that went online on November 12 as a public reaction after the Pachamama scandals at the Amazon Synod. He has not hesitated to express criticism of the present “paradigm shift,” also calling the Amazon Synod “the most politically correct meeting of all time.” He had previously denounced the Youth Synod, which lacked “credibility” in the wake of the sex abuse crisis, he told LifeSite at the time. On the internet, he has authored regular and vigorous posts on his blog “Paarse Pepers” (Purple Peppers) denouncing the present “paradigm shift” in the Church.
In this new interview with LifeSite, Bishop Mutsaerts speaks of the important role of priestly celibacy and the uselessness of scrapping it at a time when young vocations are all of the “orthodox type,” far from the liberalism of the post–Vatican II Netherlands.
Going farther, he points out that the present crisis in the Church is above all one of faith and of ignorance of the reality of Jesus Christ, Son of God.
Below is the full text of Bishop Mutsaerts’s interview with LifeSite.
* * *
LifeSiteNews: You say the issue of Christian celibacy is central to the Church. Why is that?
Bishop Robert Mutsaerts: It’s about more than celibacy. Celibacy touches on the identity of the priest, of the priesthood, and then it also touches on the sacraments. After all, we are a sacramental church. So it’s not just a small item; it touches a lot more. If you push it aside, many things will follow. I know, it’s positioned as if it is to be allowed only in a small number of exceptional cases. But — and you know this — one thing leads to another. Besides, it’s about principles, and as far as I’m concerned, you should never put them aside because of pragmatic circumstances.
LSN: Were you surprised to hear that the pope emeritus cooperated on the project?
BRM: On the one hand, he’s pope emeritus, and he’s moved to the background, and that’s very wise. But I can also imagine that when it comes to something essential, he thinks he has to speak out — which, by the way, applies to everyone: to every bishop or priest or even to the layman. If there are ambiguities, you have to create clarity. This, by the way, is the primary task of Pope Francis: to create clarity. That is what popes stand for. That is the problem, because there is of course a lot of confusion and therefore also division. I try to do that myself; however unpleasant it may be, you speak out when you think things just don’t add up. And no matter the priest or bishop concerned, it is also a duty – and the higher you are in the hierarchy, the higher your responsibility, and also your duty to speak out. So that’s how I understand this affair. Of course, we don’t at all know what Pope Francis is going to write, so maybe the book doesn’t contradict Pope Francis. We have no idea… That’s a bit typical of our times.
LSN: The pope emeritus and Cardinal Sarah “humbly” ask Pope Francis to hold on to that which he himself has said: that he will never change the rule of celibacy. Is the book presented in the Netherlands as a kind of action against the pope?
BRM: Pope Benedict and also Cardinal Sarah of course see certain tendencies, also as a result of the Amazon Synod. They are simply concerned about the Church they love. Yes, out of concern you can of course write about a certain subject, in this case celibacy. This does not necessarily mean going directly against the pope, but to the noises you’re hearing, and then you can take a clear stand. You say priestly celibacy is not just an organizational rule, but it is something essential to the Church, something that of course has existed for a very long time, and for good reasons. And before it existed, there were a kind of Josephite marriages, so at the time it actually existed, even though priests were married.
What also plays a part: A priest is an alter Christus. Jesus Himself was also a man and not just a human being. We have no dualism: body and soul form a human being. That is not at all the expression of a negative judgment of corporeality or sexuality; we have never had that. Look at the Song of Songs; see how seriously we take it. But precisely because we take it seriously, we have to be clear about it. Nowadays it is said: once healthy sexuality meant a big family. Now that approach is presented as something negative in the context of “overpopulation,” and also as something repressive. Today we have more of a promotion of unrestraint, frankly. It’s a curious form of freedom — as long as there are no children being conceived, let everyone do what he wants. That, of course, is a morality that is pernicious.
LSN: Is there demand among young priests, or young men who think about the priesthood, for the abolition of celibacy? The pope emeritus and Cardinal Sarah both say: we meet many young men and priests who suffer from the fact that it is said that celibacy is not important, and we want to support those young men.
BRM: I think that is correct. If you look at the young clergy, they are not asking for married priesthood at all. For them, celibacy is not only a sacrifice, but, above all, a gift. The dissolution of celibacy is primarily related to the reigning crisis of faith. We also have a whole vocation crisis as a result of the crisis of faith, and you cannot solve it by making things easier and more flexible. I don’t think there are many people who feel called to the priesthood and who would be willing to devote themselves to the priesthood if they could get married. I don’t believe any of that. If you look at the young clergy and the vocations that we have now, in this day and age, there is really only one kind: the orthodox kind. Those liberal ideas are those of a completely different generation; the present generation doesn’t want any of them. We remember the time of the Second Vatican Council and how it was in the Netherlands: people were looking forward to the dissolution of celibacy and they were enormously disappointed when that turned out not to be the case. That was actually a Dutch issue at the time, because in my opinion, it played much less in other countries. It’s just an expression of a crisis of faith and of a strange conception of sexuality and of celibacy itself.
Priestly celibacy is not just a rule; there really is a theological foundation. That ontological link between the priest and celibacy is about body and soul — that is a being, because of course there is no dualism. Jesus didn’t even choose Mary as an apostle, and if anyone was above all others and holier than holy, it was Mary. We can’t just ignore that. Even less should one appeal to what was cultural then, because for Jesus, that is not true at all. Saint Paul says this very clearly: there are no men, no women, no Greeks, no Jews, no pagans. If anyone was standing up for equality and equal dignity, it was the Catholic Church and the early Christian community.
LSN: In the French press, Cardinal Sarah has been sullied because of the very traditional expression of his faith. Is that also the case in the Netherlands?
BRM: He is, of course, portrayed as extremely conservative — so am I. Usually this means they’re very Catholic, and they hold on to old norms and values — and on good grounds. There’s no point in blowing with the times. We should bring the world to the Gospel and not the other way around.
LSN: Benedict and Sarah clearly spoke against the scrapping of celibacy, even for exceptional situations. Cardinal Sarah even says in the book that the Eastern Catholic Churches are turning back on the possibility of choosing priests among married men.
BRM: He was already quite clear about it in his last book. All those things that are asked from the secular Catholic side have long been possible in the Anglican church. There they even consecrate female bishops, but their crisis has only gotten worse, even bigger than ours: it doesn’t solve anything. You don’t create vocations with it, and the apostasy doesn’t diminish. On the contrary. We have to go back to the roots. If the Church wants to survive, there is only one way, as it has always been: orthodoxy. Of course, we also need to set a good example and make work of it: ora et labora. Ambiguity, setting the bar low, is useless. Look at the history of the Church: it only leads to weakening. The Church needs reform, but not slackening. The risk that the Church becomes bourgeois is always lurking; sometimes we have to look again where we stand and return to basics.
What I found a very interesting book from last year was Rod Dreher’s Benedict Option: regrouping to strengthen your faith, making sure it doesn’t fade away, and encouraging each other to come back stronger.
LSN: The book is about celibacy, but at the moment there is confusion about many other points of the Church’s teaching, which we do not see being held up by Rome. Do you think that the issue of celibacy is the most important, or that we should not forget that there are other issues as well?
BRM: Of course, it is not the most important subject. Man is called to holiness, and is possible only if we first make clear who Christ is. That stands at the central point, and you notice that in so many things. The other day, a priest was invited to Brabant to explain the Christmas story, and his thesis was, it is impossible to explain to modern people that a virgin gets pregnant, and then tell them such a sentimental story of sheep and shepherds and three kings who come looking… His thesis wa,: it actually wasn’t true, you have to read it like a fairy tale with a certain interpretation. And then he gives an example: was Jesus born in Bethlehem? No, of course not, he says, because Bethlehem means “city of bread,” and that has a certain meaning, and that is why Luke positions it there. As long as we are keeping busy with this kind of nonsense, and lead people astray, we will get farther and farther away from home! We have such good arguments, historical and rational; maybe we should be bringing those up to start with. Not that arguments turn people into believers, but you have to get rid of some stumbling blocks first.
At confirmations, when I know in advance that the confirmands will be gathered before the ceremony, I come a bit early to join them, and then we’ll have a chat. They are pleasant young people. But when it comes down to it and I ask: what kind of book is that Bible — a fairy tale book, something like Harry Potter, or a history book like Julius Caesar? They almost always say: “A fairy tale book, it didn’t really happen.” Then you know how far from home we are. We’re below freezing point. We should work on that first, because if we don’t know who Christ is… I don’t think the problem for those children is the miracles, but “who is Christ,” and if you can interpret that correctly, then you are going to be able to give those miracles a place, and then you are going to put the proclamation in a different light, and only then can it be understood. It is not for nothing that in the profession of faith, nothing is said about Jesus, nothing about His proclamation, nothing about His miracles, nothing about the Sermon on the Mount or whatever: only that He was born of the Virgin Mary, crucified, died, buried, and resurrected.
In other words, you’re talking about God’s son. There are so many Catholics who don’t realize that at all, or who don’t believe anymore, and who also don’t believe in the transformation of the consecration, the transubstantiation. If all that falls away, and it is those people who are going to plead about celibacy, then you know they will be betting on the wrong horse.
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lifesitenews--2020-01-17--‘No international right to abortion’: Trump admin health secretary warns foreign health leaders

WASHINGTON , D.C. , January 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar reiterated in a private meeting with foreign health leaders Thursday that there is an “ international right to life ” but “ no international right to abortion.
” However , that won ’ t stop relentless international lobbying to secure this illusory right , Azar warned representatives of 35 “ like-minded ” countries who met at Washington ’ s historic Blair House to discuss their continuing efforts as a “ pro-life , pro-family , pro-sovereignty coalition ” on the global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are all familiar with the constant drumbeat in the halls of the United Nations and the WHO ( World Health Organization ) to normalize the terms ‘ sexual and reproductive health ’ and ‘ reproductive rights , ’ ” said Azar , according to a transcript of his remarks on the HHS site .
“ What reproductive rights are they talking about ?
In this context , it is increasingly becoming clear that some U.N. agencies and countries want this to mean unfettered access to abortion , and we can not let this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I stated this fact at the United Nations this past September , and I 'll repeat it here : There is no international human right to abortion .
On the other hand , there is an international human right to life.
” President Donald Trump “ has been clear , at the U.N. and on the world stage : Health care exists to improve health and preserve human life — the universal goal we all share , ” he added .
Azar warned the gathering that the sovereignty of nations is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If the other side ’ s goal of making abortion an international human right becomes a reality , it will mean all countries with laws protecting the unborn will be in violation of international human rights laws , with all the consequences that could carry , ” Azar said .
“ Every country has the right , and the duty to its own citizens , to decide for themselves how laws and policies can best strengthen the family , ensure optimal health for women and adolescents throughout their lifespan , and protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While abortion laws in the United States “ are some of the world 's most liberal , ” the Trump administration “ has worked extremely hard to provide better protections for the unborn in the United States , and we do so working through our own legislative and legal systems , ” added the HHS secretary .
“ There is no role in this debate for interference from U.N. agencies or other countries.
” Azar thanked those nations who have joined the United States in the fight to “ protect the lives of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important role of the family , and parents in particular , in the health and well-being of their children , and to respect national sovereignty.
” In the last year , a total of 24 countries that “ are home to well over one billion human beings , ” signed on to one or more of the joint statements to the U.N. in defense of life , he said .
“ Individually , we can raise our own voices , but together , we are much stronger and have the ability to change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Thank you for taking a courageous stand with us for the unborn .
Thank you for standing up for the idea that every life has value .
And thank you for making clear that national sovereignty is not a vague or old-fashioned concept , but the most important duty for each of us as leaders in our respective governments , ” he told participants .
“ Together , we built a pro-life , pro-family , pro-sovereignty coalition that is a force to be reckoned with .
But our informal coalition needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not stand still , because we have much work to do in 2020 and beyond.
” Upcoming events where “ the vital issues I mentioned will be debated ” include the WHO board meeting in Geneva , the Status of Women Commission meeting at the U.N. in New York , the World Health Assembly in Geneva , and the U.N. General Assembly , he said .
Azar invited those gathered to a global women ’ s health conference on May 16 in Geneva , just before the World Health Assembly .
Hungary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Affairs Katalin Novák and Brazil Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington Fernando Pimentel also addressed the meeting , and Azar read a letter from Dr. Jane Aceng , Minister of Health of Uganda , “ who is one of our strongest and most reliable partners ” but was unable to attend .

Alex Azar encouraged nations to fight for an international right to life or their sovereignty will be lost.
WASHINGTON, D.C., January 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar reiterated in a private meeting with foreign health leaders Thursday that there is an “international right to life” but “no international right to abortion.”
However, that won’t stop relentless international lobbying to secure this illusory right, Azar warned representatives of 35 “like-minded” countries who met at Washington’s historic Blair House to discuss their continuing efforts as a “pro-life, pro-family, pro-sovereignty coalition” on the global stage.
“I am sure you are all familiar with the constant drumbeat in the halls of the United Nations and the WHO (World Health Organization) to normalize the terms ‘sexual and reproductive health’ and ‘reproductive rights,’” said Azar, according to a transcript of his remarks on the HHS site.
“What reproductive rights are they talking about? In this context, it is increasingly becoming clear that some U.N. agencies and countries want this to mean unfettered access to abortion, and we cannot let this threat go unanswered,” he said.
“I stated this fact at the United Nations this past September, and I'll repeat it here: There is no international human right to abortion. On the other hand, there is an international human right to life.”
President Donald Trump “has been clear, at the U.N. and on the world stage: Health care exists to improve health and preserve human life — the universal goal we all share,” he added.
Azar warned the gathering that the sovereignty of nations is at stake in the global struggle.
“If the other side’s goal of making abortion an international human right becomes a reality, it will mean all countries with laws protecting the unborn will be in violation of international human rights laws, with all the consequences that could carry,” Azar said.
“Every country has the right, and the duty to its own citizens, to decide for themselves how laws and policies can best strengthen the family, ensure optimal health for women and adolescents throughout their lifespan, and protect the unborn,” he stressed.
While abortion laws in the United States “are some of the world's most liberal,” the Trump administration “has worked extremely hard to provide better protections for the unborn in the United States, and we do so working through our own legislative and legal systems,” added the HHS secretary.
“There is no role in this debate for interference from U.N. agencies or other countries.”
Azar thanked those nations who have joined the United States in the fight to “protect the lives of the most vulnerable, to defend the important role of the family, and parents in particular, in the health and well-being of their children, and to respect national sovereignty.”
In the last year, a total of 24 countries that “are home to well over one billion human beings,” signed on to one or more of the joint statements to the U.N. in defense of life, he said.
“Individually, we can raise our own voices, but together, we are much stronger and have the ability to change the debate,” observed Azar.
“Thank you for taking a courageous stand with us for the unborn. Thank you for standing up for the idea that every life has value. And thank you for making clear that national sovereignty is not a vague or old-fashioned concept, but the most important duty for each of us as leaders in our respective governments,” he told participants.
“Together, we built a pro-life, pro-family, pro-sovereignty coalition that is a force to be reckoned with. But our informal coalition needs to grow and be more active. We cannot stand still, because we have much work to do in 2020 and beyond.”
Upcoming events where “the vital issues I mentioned will be debated” include the WHO board meeting in Geneva, the Status of Women Commission meeting at the U.N. in New York, the World Health Assembly in Geneva, and the U.N. General Assembly, he said.
Azar invited those gathered to a global women’s health conference on May 16 in Geneva, just before the World Health Assembly.
Hungary Minister of State for Family and Youth Affairs Katalin Novák and Brazil Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington Fernando Pimentel also addressed the meeting, and Azar read a letter from Dr. Jane Aceng, Minister of Health of Uganda, “who is one of our strongest and most reliable partners” but was unable to attend.
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lifesitenews--2020-01-16--Students kicked out of Evangelical seminary for being in gay ‘marriage’ sue for discrimination

PASADENA , California , January 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Two graduate students who were expelled from an Evangelical seminary after it was discovered both were “ married ” to members of the same sex have filed a $ 2 million lawsuit claiming sex discrimination .
The lawsuit , brought by plaintiffs Joanna Maxon and Nathan Brittsan , was filed in the U.S. District Court for Central California against Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena .
Maxon filed suit in November and was joined last week by Brittsan .
At issue is Federal Title IX rules that ban discrimination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which beginning with the Obama administration have increasingly been stretched to include sexual orientation and gender identity .
The case is an important one because it could force faith-based institutions that accept federal funding and reject the notion of same-sex “ marriage ” to either drop federal funding or drop prohibitions against same-sex “ marriage.
” “ That ’ s one of the main implications , ” Paul Southwick , the attorney representing Brittsan and Maxon , told Religion News Service ( RNS ) .
“ It ’ s a very important case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s history , ” Southwick told Christianity Today .
“ This case could set an important legal precedent that if an educational institution receives federal funding , even if it ’ s religiously affiliated , even if it ’ s a seminary , that it ’ s required to comply with Title IX prohibitions on sex discrimination as applied to LGBT individuals.
” The lawyer representing Fuller Theological Seminary essentially views the significance of the case and its potential impact on religious educational institutions in the same way as the plaintiff ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty , said this case is “ really about whether or not religious groups get to define what it means to be a member of that particular religious community or whether you can use government power to force religious groups to change their minds and change their beliefs.
” “ It ’ s a very dangerous attempt , ” he said , adding , “ It ’ s a very dangerous argument.
” The claims here are dangerous for faith-based institutions , ” said Blomberg .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then they would be harmful to religious groups of all backgrounds and particularly minority religious groups that have beliefs that the majority and the surrounding communities might find unpopular … We think that ’ s unlikely that courts would accept these kinds of arguments because they ’ re weak claims .
But they ’ re dangerous.
” Trista Eazell , a student at Fuller who launched an online petition in support of the homosexual student plaintiffs , also sees the case as historic , saying the case is “ a big deal.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened at a Christian university , ” said Eazell .
While religious groups , including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops , have applauded the Trump administration ’ s commitment to protecting religious liberty , Secretary Betsy DeVos has made it clear that the Department of Education will “ protect students bullied because of LGBTQ identity ” according to The Washington Times .
About 75 schools have preemptively sought exemptions from the Obama administration 's interpretation of Title IX to include gender and sexual orientation , arguing that enforcement would encroach on their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While Fuller is reportedly not among those who have filed for an exemption , the U.S. Department of Education rules allow “ religious institutions that have neither sought nor received prior written assurance from the Office of Civil Rights ( OCR ) may still invoke their exemption after OCR receives a Title IX complaint.
” Some have wondered why the plaintiffs in the case , Maxon and Brittsan , who are in same-sex “ marriages , ” elected to attend Fuller knowing it ’ s clearly stated community standards : Fuller Theological @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reserved for marriage , which is the covenant union between one man and one woman , and that sexual abstinence is required for the unmarried .
The seminary believes premarital , extramarital , and homosexual forms of explicit sexual conduct to be inconsistent with the teaching of Scripture .
Consequently , the seminary expects all members of its community -- students , faculty , administrators/managers , staff , and trustees -- to abstain from what it holds to be unbiblical sexual practices .
The school ’ s website also states , “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sexual conduct that violates its biblically based Community Standard Statement on Sexual Standards , ” and “ does lawfully discriminate on the basis of religion .
Therefore , the seminary expects members of its community to abstain from what it holds to be unbiblical sexual practices.
” Fuller Theological Seminary is an evangelical , multi-denominational graduate institution with more than 3,500 students from 90 countries and 110 denominations .

PASADENA, California, January 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Two graduate students who were expelled from an Evangelical seminary after it was discovered both were “married” to members of the same sex have filed a $2 million lawsuit claiming sex discrimination.
The lawsuit, brought by plaintiffs Joanna Maxon and Nathan Brittsan, was filed in the U.S. District Court for Central California against Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena.
Maxon filed suit in November and was joined last week by Brittsan.
‘A dangerous argument’
At issue is Federal Title IX rules that ban discrimination on the basis of sex, but which beginning with the Obama administration have increasingly been stretched to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
The case is an important one because it could force faith-based institutions that accept federal funding and reject the notion of same-sex “marriage” to either drop federal funding or drop prohibitions against same-sex “marriage.”
“That’s one of the main implications,” Paul Southwick, the attorney representing Brittsan and Maxon, told Religion News Service (RNS).
“It’s a very important case at this time in our nation’s history,” Southwick told Christianity Today. “This case could set an important legal precedent that if an educational institution receives federal funding, even if it’s religiously affiliated, even if it’s a seminary, that it’s required to comply with Title IX prohibitions on sex discrimination as applied to LGBT individuals.”
The lawyer representing Fuller Theological Seminary essentially views the significance of the case and its potential impact on religious educational institutions in the same way as the plaintiff’s attorney.
Daniel Blomberg, senior counsel for The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, said this case is “really about whether or not religious groups get to define what it means to be a member of that particular religious community or whether you can use government power to force religious groups to change their minds and change their beliefs.”
“It’s a very dangerous attempt,” he said, adding, “It’s a very dangerous argument.”
The claims here are dangerous for faith-based institutions,” said Blomberg. “If the court was to accept them, then they would be harmful to religious groups of all backgrounds and particularly minority religious groups that have beliefs that the majority and the surrounding communities might find unpopular … We think that’s unlikely that courts would accept these kinds of arguments because they’re weak claims. But they’re dangerous.”
Trista Eazell, a student at Fuller who launched an online petition in support of the homosexual student plaintiffs, also sees the case as historic, saying the case is “a big deal.”
“Nothing quite this big has happened at a Christian university,” said Eazell.
While religious groups, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, have applauded the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting religious liberty, Secretary Betsy DeVos has made it clear that the Department of Education will “protect students bullied because of LGBTQ identity” according to The Washington Times.
About 75 schools have preemptively sought exemptions from the Obama administration's interpretation of Title IX to include gender and sexual orientation, arguing that enforcement would encroach on their institution’s right to religious liberty.
While Fuller is reportedly not among those who have filed for an exemption, the U.S. Department of Education rules allow “religious institutions that have neither sought nor received prior written assurance from the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) may still invoke their exemption after OCR receives a Title IX complaint.”
Some have wondered why the plaintiffs in the case, Maxon and Brittsan, who are in same-sex “marriages,” elected to attend Fuller knowing it’s clearly stated community standards:
Fuller Theological Seminary believes that sexual union must be reserved for marriage, which is the covenant union between one man and one woman, and that sexual abstinence is required for the unmarried. The seminary believes premarital, extramarital, and homosexual forms of explicit sexual conduct to be inconsistent with the teaching of Scripture. Consequently, the seminary expects all members of its community — students, faculty, administrators/managers, staff, and trustees — to abstain from what it holds to be unbiblical sexual practices. The school’s website also states, “The seminary does lawfully discriminate on the basis of sexual conduct that violates its biblically based Community Standard Statement on Sexual Standards,” and “does lawfully discriminate on the basis of religion. Therefore, the seminary expects members of its community to abstain from what it holds to be unbiblical sexual practices.”
Fuller Theological Seminary is an evangelical, multi-denominational graduate institution with more than 3,500 students from 90 countries and 110 denominations.
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lifesitenews--2020-01-16--3 Texas towns vote to become sanctuary cities for the unborn

January 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Three more localities in Texas voted recently to declare themselves “ sanctuary cities for the unborn , ” registering their communities ’ disapproval of abortion and intention to outlaw it once they are allowed to do so .
Big Spring and Colorado City voted for the ordinances on Tuesday , with Rusk doing so the week before , the Texas Tribune reported .
Big Springs ’ City Council must vote one more time to grant the measure final approval .
In addition to the declarations on abortion ( which do not exempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the measures empower families of post-abortive women the ability to sue abortionists for emotional distress , and the Colorado City version would also prohibit the sale of the contraceptive Plan B , which can also function as an abortifacient .
`` To say we ca n't ban abortion is simply not true , '' Right to Life of East Texas director John Dixon told Fox News .
Dixon has been traveling across Texas to advocate the ordinances , with “ every intention of targeting every part of the state.
” '' We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent abortion clinics from coming into cities , but ordinances , a law put in place , will , ” he said .
`` This is a strong stance that babies will not be murdered in our cities .
We need to stand up with our leaders in bringing this Holocaust to an end once and for all . ''
Previous Texas towns to adopt “ sanctuary for the unborn ” ordinances include Waskom , Naples , Joaquin , Tenaha , and Gilmer .
Fox noted that Mineral Wells , Omaha , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fears , and Abilene will be voting on one next week .

That brings the total to eight in the Lone Star state, and another city may join them next week.
January 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Three more localities in Texas voted recently to declare themselves “sanctuary cities for the unborn,” registering their communities’ disapproval of abortion and intention to outlaw it once they are allowed to do so.
Big Spring and Colorado City voted for the ordinances on Tuesday, with Rusk doing so the week before, the Texas Tribune reported. Big Springs’ City Council must vote one more time to grant the measure final approval.
In addition to the declarations on abortion (which do not exempt abortions due to rape or incest), the measures empower families of post-abortive women the ability to sue abortionists for emotional distress, and the Colorado City version would also prohibit the sale of the contraceptive Plan B, which can also function as an abortifacient.
“To say we can't ban abortion is simply not true,” Right to Life of East Texas director John Dixon told Fox News. Dixon has been traveling across Texas to advocate the ordinances, with “every intention of targeting every part of the state.”
“We're passing laws because resolutions do not prevent abortion clinics from coming into cities, but ordinances, a law put in place, will,” he said. “This is a strong stance that babies will not be murdered in our cities. We need to stand up with our leaders in bringing this Holocaust to an end once and for all.”
Previous Texas towns to adopt “sanctuary for the unborn” ordinances include Waskom, Naples, Joaquin, Tenaha, and Gilmer. Fox noted that Mineral Wells, Omaha, and Jacksboro ultimately rejected them due to legal fears, and Abilene will be voting on one next week.
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lifesitenews--2020-01-16--Catholic bishop defends allowing ‘ordination’ of Episcopalian female ‘bishop’ inside Catholic church

WILLIAMSBURG , Virginia , January 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – The Catholic Diocese of Richmond will permit the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia to use one of its Catholic churches for the “ ordination ” and “ consecration ” of a female bishop on February 1 , 2020 .
Following backlash from Catholics , Richmond Bishop Barry Knestout released a January 15 letter defending his decision to allow the ceremony , citing “ ecumenism ” and insisting the “ sacred space of the Catholic Church ” will be “ safeguarded.
” The Catholic Church teaches that it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ ordained ” and does not recognize any Episcopalian denomination ordinations as valid .
St. Bede Catholic Church in Williamsburg will host the event .
In a January 14 Facebook post , St. Bede pastor Monsignor Joseph P. Lehman explained why the Episcopal church – which is supportive of same-sex “ marriage ” and the LGBT cause – was granted this permission .
That Facebook post was subsequently posted as a letter from Lehman on the Diocese of Richmond ’ s website alongside the letter from Knestout .
Knestout expressed his “ great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they should look at documents from Vatican II .
“ I would encourage you to review the following teachings of the Church on ecumenism and norms for ecumenical activities and cooperation , ” wrote Knestout .
“ The Decree on Ecumenism Unitatis Redintegratio from the Second Vatican Council , especially # 1 and # 3 speak of the importance of ecumenical dialogue and outreach .
In addition , the Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism # 137 gives clear guidelines and recommendations regarding the possibility of sharing space with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Finally , the Directory for the Pastoral Ministry of Bishops # 207 indicates the importance of concrete acts of ecumenism on the part of the bishop.
” Knestout said allowing the invalid ordination – “ a special occasion for their community ” – is “ an act of charity and well within the teachings of ecumenism.
” Protestant services “ are intended to honor God in a manner He does not wish to be honored in , ” explains My Catholic Faith , a 1949 version of the Baltimore Catechism ( p. 193 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affirm error and do not attempt to draw people into the Catholic Church have been condemned by popes and saints throughout Church history , such as by Pope Pius XI in Mortalium Animos .
“ Only those things which serve the exercise or promotion of worship , piety , or religion are permitted in a sacred place ; anything not consonant with the holiness of the place is forbidden , ” states Canon 1210 of the Catholic Church ’ s Code of Canon Law .
“ In an individual case , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not contrary to the holiness of the place.
” St. Bede pastor calls planned event the ‘ consecration ’ of a female ‘ bishop , ’ defends allowing it Msgr .
Lehman said one of the reasons his parish will be used for “ consecration ” of the female “ bishop ” is because it has handicap accessible parking and a social hall .
He wrote on Facebook and in his letter published by the diocese that he hoped to “ address and alleviate any concerns about the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their new Bishop [ sic ] .
” “ The [ Episcopal ] Diocese of Southern Virginia made contact with the former Pastor of Saint Bede ( Msgr Timothy Keeney ) in early December of 2018 to inquire about the use of the Church ( nave and commons ) , Kaplan Hall ( our event/receptions venue ) , and the other spaces here for this significant event in the life of their Diocese , ” wrote Lehman .
“ Saint Bede is one of the largest liturgical churches of any tradition in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge seating capacity of 1200 people , a social hall and catering kitchen , ample parking , all handicap accessible , with many auxiliary spaces for clergy and diocesan leadership to gather , dress , process , and move about freely.
” “ In his statement , Msgr .
Lehman opens by referring to the use of St. Bede ’ s by the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia for ‘ the consecration of their new bishop.
’ Already there is a serious problem because what is taking place is not a consecration , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ceremony is not , [ and ] will not be a ‘ bishop , ’ ” Michael Hichborn , President of the Lepanto Institute , told LifeSiteNews .
‘ Ecumenism ’ for pro-gay Episcopalians , none for traditional Catholics Hichborn is planning a public rosary in reparation for the February 1 event .
“ Any Catholic who would attempt to ordain or consecrate a woman would incur the penalty of excommunication , laetetia sententiae , so why is a Protestant organization attempting the same thing being permitted to conduct such a mockery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked .
“ Can Msgr .
Lehman and Bishop Knestout not see the scandalous inconsistency in such permission ?
” “ This is as much of a desecration as if the bishop had permitted a Protestant same-sex ‘ wedding ’ to take place in a Catholic Church , ” he said .
Hichborn said even the excuse from the 1993 Directory of the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism given for allowing the Episcopal ceremony is insufficient : As justification for permitting the fake consecration to take place , Msgr .
Lehman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism , which states , “ if priests , ministers or communities not in full communion with the Catholic church do not have a place or the liturgical objects necessary for celebrating worthily their religious ceremonies , the diocesan bishop may allow them to the use of the church … ” Without getting into the issues with the passage itself , even this paragraph fails as a proper excuse .
The condition rests on the Episcopalians not having a place for celebrating their religious ceremonies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are two Episcopalian churches in the area , and if the space is insufficient for their purposes , there are convention centers they could rent .
“ But given the permission in paragraph 137 of the Directory on Ecumenism , one has to wonder why no such permission or dialogue ever seems to be extended to groups like the Society of St. Pius X , whom many in the Church consider ‘ separated , ’ '' he added .
Other Catholics made the same point .
“ If this is about being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is , why are the bishop and pastor allowing a female Episcopalian to say ‘ mass ’ at our altar , but have denied the continued requests from over 100 parishioners over the last four years for a weekly Latin Mass ?
” Anne Gasway , a parishioner at St. Bede , asked .
“ Would they allow SSPX priests to utilize the space ?
” “ What is our diocesan relationship with the Orthodox & the SSPX , who we are closer with than the Protestant Episcopalians ?
” asked one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ original Facebook post .
“ I never hear of ecumenism or diocesan dialogue with them.
” “ Do n't worry everyone , this just means St. Bede will finally have a latin Mass or perhaps allow a Latin mass to be offered at the Shrine !
” another commenter wrote sarcastically .
Another commenter lamented , “ Parishioners begged for the Latin mass for years and were denied , but they got a Protestant ceremony they didn ’ t ask for.
” “ I understand what you 're saying , Msgr .
Lehman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discern where to draw the line , ” commented a young person .
“ This is sacrilege and a step for the Episcopalians even further away from Truth .
You are materially contributing , and even causing scandal by the voluntary association you made between the parish and the ceremony .
You know this is wrong and you 're looking for something to hide behind .
Please do n't go through with this.
” Lauren Smith , a student at the nearby College of William & Mary , told LifeSiteNews , “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jesus in any context for the Protestant faith .
It may seem like it ’ s helping your neighbor , but it can further cause divisions in the community among Catholics .
Even amongst the William & Mary Catholic Campus Ministry , I fear this will create more harm than good.
” Parishioners and former parishioners of St. Bede told LifeSiteNews that various lay efforts to start a Traditional Latin Mass at the parish have been underway for years , with no success .
One said former pastor Msgr .
Keene made those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a six-week Latin course at $ 35 each , and upon its completion parishioners were disappointed to learn St. Bede would still not be offering the Latin Mass .
Over 2,140 people have signed a petition asking Knestout to “ stop this event and the desecration of one of his own parishes.
” Neither a diocescan representative nor Bishop Knestout answered an inquiry from LifeSiteNews about whether the Episcopalians are paying to use St. Bede , and if so , how much .
The Lepanto Institute ’ s rosary protest will begin at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 outside St. Bede .
On Friday , January 31 at 3:00 p.m. , there will also be a rehearsal at St. Bede for the female cleric ’ s “ consecration ” ceremony .

WILLIAMSBURG, Virginia, January 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – The Catholic Diocese of Richmond will permit the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia to use one of its Catholic churches for the “ordination” and “consecration” of a female bishop on February 1, 2020.
Following backlash from Catholics, Richmond Bishop Barry Knestout released a January 15 letter defending his decision to allow the ceremony, citing “ecumenism” and insisting the “sacred space of the Catholic Church” will be “safeguarded.”
The Catholic Church teaches that it is ontologically impossible for a woman to be “ordained” and does not recognize any Episcopalian denomination ordinations as valid.
St. Bede Catholic Church in Williamsburg will host the event. In a January 14 Facebook post, St. Bede pastor Monsignor Joseph P. Lehman explained why the Episcopal church – which is supportive of same-sex “marriage” and the LGBT cause – was granted this permission. That Facebook post was subsequently posted as a letter from Lehman on the Diocese of Richmond’s website alongside the letter from Knestout.
Knestout expressed his “great confidence” in Lehman and told Catholics they should look at documents from Vatican II.
“I would encourage you to review the following teachings of the Church on ecumenism and norms for ecumenical activities and cooperation,” wrote Knestout. “The Decree on Ecumenism Unitatis Redintegratio from the Second Vatican Council, especially #1 and #3 speak of the importance of ecumenical dialogue and outreach. In addition, the Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism #137 gives clear guidelines and recommendations regarding the possibility of sharing space with our separated brothers and sisters.”
“Finally, the Directory for the Pastoral Ministry of Bishops #207 indicates the importance of concrete acts of ecumenism on the part of the bishop.”
Knestout said allowing the invalid ordination – “a special occasion for their community” – is “an act of charity and well within the teachings of ecumenism.”
Protestant services “are intended to honor God in a manner He does not wish to be honored in,” explains My Catholic Faith, a 1949 version of the Baltimore Catechism (p. 193). “Ecumenical” activities that affirm error and do not attempt to draw people into the Catholic Church have been condemned by popes and saints throughout Church history, such as by Pope Pius XI in Mortalium Animos.
“Only those things which serve the exercise or promotion of worship, piety, or religion are permitted in a sacred place; anything not consonant with the holiness of the place is forbidden,” states Canon 1210 of the Catholic Church’s Code of Canon Law. “In an individual case, however, the ordinary can permit other uses which are not contrary to the holiness of the place.”
St. Bede pastor calls planned event the ‘consecration’ of a female ‘bishop,’ defends allowing it
Msgr. Lehman said one of the reasons his parish will be used for “consecration” of the female “bishop” is because it has handicap accessible parking and a social hall.
He wrote on Facebook and in his letter published by the diocese that he hoped to “address and alleviate any concerns about the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia using our parish church for the consecration of their new Bishop [sic].”
“The [Episcopal] Diocese of Southern Virginia made contact with the former Pastor of Saint Bede (Msgr Timothy Keeney) in early December of 2018 to inquire about the use of the Church (nave and commons), Kaplan Hall (our event/receptions venue), and the other spaces here for this significant event in the life of their Diocese,” wrote Lehman. “Saint Bede is one of the largest liturgical churches of any tradition in this part of the Common-wealth, with a huge seating capacity of 1200 people, a social hall and catering kitchen, ample parking, all handicap accessible, with many auxiliary spaces for clergy and diocesan leadership to gather, dress, process, and move about freely.”
He continued:
Their request came out of a long-standing formal relationship between our two Churches. The Anglican (Episcopal) Communion and the Catholic Church have been in dialogue, both nationally and internationally, since the late 1960s. In addition, in 1990, the two Virginia Catholic dioceses, the three Episcopal dioceses, and the two Lutheran Synods of the ECLA in our Commonwealth have been in a covenant. The United Methodists joined us in 2007. For all these reasons, out of our relationship, understanding, and our friendship in the Lord, the planning committee for the Consecration approached the former Pastor of Saint Bede to use the spaces.
“In his statement, Msgr. Lehman opens by referring to the use of St. Bede’s by the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia for ‘the consecration of their new bishop.’ Already there is a serious problem because what is taking place is not a consecration, and the woman at the center of the ceremony is not, [and] will not be a ‘bishop,’” Michael Hichborn, President of the Lepanto Institute, told LifeSiteNews.
‘Ecumenism’ for pro-gay Episcopalians, none for traditional Catholics
Hichborn is planning a public rosary in reparation for the February 1 event.
“Any Catholic who would attempt to ordain or consecrate a woman would incur the penalty of excommunication, laetetia sententiae, so why is a Protestant organization attempting the same thing being permitted to conduct such a mockery inside a Catholic Church?” he asked. “Can Msgr. Lehman and Bishop Knestout not see the scandalous inconsistency in such permission?”
“This is as much of a desecration as if the bishop had permitted a Protestant same-sex ‘wedding’ to take place in a Catholic Church,” he said.
Hichborn said even the excuse from the 1993 Directory of the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism given for allowing the Episcopal ceremony is insufficient:
As justification for permitting the fake consecration to take place, Msgr. Lehman quotes paragraph 137 from The Directory of the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism, which states, “if priests, ministers or communities not in full communion with the Catholic church do not have a place or the liturgical objects necessary for celebrating worthily their religious ceremonies, the diocesan bishop may allow them to the use of the church …” Without getting into the issues with the passage itself, even this paragraph fails as a proper excuse. The condition rests on the Episcopalians not having a place for celebrating their religious ceremonies. But the truth of the matter, there are two Episcopalian churches in the area, and if the space is insufficient for their purposes, there are convention centers they could rent.
“But given the permission in paragraph 137 of the Directory on Ecumenism, one has to wonder why no such permission or dialogue ever seems to be extended to groups like the Society of St. Pius X, whom many in the Church consider ‘separated,’” he added.
Other Catholics made the same point.
“If this is about being ecumenical, and I don't believe it is, why are the bishop and pastor allowing a female Episcopalian to say ‘mass’ at our altar, but have denied the continued requests from over 100 parishioners over the last four years for a weekly Latin Mass?” Anne Gasway, a parishioner at St. Bede, asked. “Would they allow SSPX priests to utilize the space?”
“What is our diocesan relationship with the Orthodox & the SSPX, who we are closer with than the Protestant Episcopalians?” asked one person on Msgr. Lehman’s original Facebook post. “I never hear of ecumenism or diocesan dialogue with them.”
“Don't worry everyone, this just means St. Bede will finally have a latin Mass or perhaps allow a Latin mass to be offered at the Shrine!” another commenter wrote sarcastically.
Another commenter lamented, “Parishioners begged for the Latin mass for years and were denied, but they got a Protestant ceremony they didn’t ask for.”
“I understand what you're saying, Msgr. Lehman, but it's your responsibility to discern where to draw the line,” commented a young person. “This is sacrilege and a step for the Episcopalians even further away from Truth. You are materially contributing, and even causing scandal by the voluntary association you made between the parish and the ceremony. You know this is wrong and you're looking for something to hide behind. Please don't go through with this.”
Lauren Smith, a student at the nearby College of William & Mary, told LifeSiteNews, “I think it’s terrible to remove Jesus in any context for the Protestant faith. It may seem like it’s helping your neighbor, but it can further cause divisions in the community among Catholics. Even amongst the William & Mary Catholic Campus Ministry, I fear this will create more harm than good.”
Parishioners and former parishioners of St. Bede told LifeSiteNews that various lay efforts to start a Traditional Latin Mass at the parish have been underway for years, with no success. One said former pastor Msgr. Keene made those who requested the Old Rite Mass take a six-week Latin course at $35 each, and upon its completion parishioners were disappointed to learn St. Bede would still not be offering the Latin Mass.
Over 2,140 people have signed a petition asking Knestout to “stop this event and the desecration of one of his own parishes.”
Neither a diocescan representative nor Bishop Knestout answered an inquiry from LifeSiteNews about whether the Episcopalians are paying to use St. Bede, and if so, how much.
The Lepanto Institute’s rosary protest will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2020 outside St. Bede.
On Friday, January 31 at 3:00 p.m., there will also be a rehearsal at St. Bede for the female cleric’s “consecration” ceremony.
Contact information for respectful communication:
Bishop Barry Knestout
Catholic Diocese of Richmond
7800 Carousel Lane
Richmond, VA 23294
(804) 359-5661
(804) 355-9155
[email protected]
Msgr. Joseph P. Lehman
St. Bede Catholic Church
3686 Ironbound Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
(757) 229-3631
[email protected]
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lifesitenews--2020-01-16--Tennessee governor to sign bill protecting adoption agencies who reject same-sex parents

NASHVILLE , Tennessee , January 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Tennessee Republican Gov .
Bill Lee says he will sign legislation protecting the right of adoption agencies in the state to place children only in homes with both a mother and a father , over the objections of LGBT activists and fears of backlash harbored by some Republicans .
The bill would ensure that licensed adoption agencies can not be forced to make child placement decisions that `` violate the agency 's written religious or moral convictions or policies , ” and can not be sued , denied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ license applications on the basis of such a decision .
It passed the state Senate this week and the House last year .
Lee spokesman Chris Walker confirmed late Tuesday that the governor intends to sign the bill into law , NBC News reported .
Lee previously declined to comment on its passage ( having not yet read it ) .
The news of Lee ’ s support alleviates brief concern that the bill might ultimately fall to Republican fears of LGBT-orchestrated economic boycotts of the state .
Several Republicans voted “ present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill , with GOP Lt. Gov .
Randy McNally voicing reservations and GOP state Sen. Steve Dickerson suggesting that if it becomes law “ we can probably kiss ( hosting various national sporting events ) goodbye.
” Tennessee `` needs all hands on deck when it comes to providing loving homes for children in need , '' said Republican bill sponsor Sen. Paul Rose in defense of the measure .
`` SB 1304 simply makes sure that these agencies can continue to do this vital work just as they do today , consistent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcome everyone who is dedicated to helping vulnerable children , including the many faith-based agencies that play such a crucial role in serving our most vulnerable children . ''
A variety of social science literature supports the conviction that children are best served by homes with both a mother and a father , whereas a homosexual male couple would by definition lack a mother , and a lesbian couple would be unable to provide a father .
The adoption measure is one of six bills state lawmakers have introduced over the past year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the LGBT agenda , which national figures including singer Taylor Swift have attacked as a “ slate of hate.
” The other bills forbid local governments from penalizing businesses for their health insurance and anti-discrimination policies ; increase punishment for indecent exposure in bathrooms and dressing rooms ; require the state to defend schools from lawsuits over their refusal to admit gender-confused boys into girls ’ restrooms ( and vice versa ) ; and declare as “ void ” any court decision forcing recognition of same-sex “ marriage .
”

Some of Gov. Bill Lee's colleagues are anticipating a backlash that could include boycotts of the state.
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, January 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Tennessee Republican Gov. Bill Lee says he will sign legislation protecting the right of adoption agencies in the state to place children only in homes with both a mother and a father, over the objections of LGBT activists and fears of backlash harbored by some Republicans.
The bill would ensure that licensed adoption agencies cannot be forced to make child placement decisions that “violate the agency's written religious or moral convictions or policies,” and cannot be sued, denied public funds, or be rejected for license applications on the basis of such a decision. It passed the state Senate this week and the House last year.
Lee spokesman Chris Walker confirmed late Tuesday that the governor intends to sign the bill into law, NBC News reported. Lee previously declined to comment on its passage (having not yet read it).
The news of Lee’s support alleviates brief concern that the bill might ultimately fall to Republican fears of LGBT-orchestrated economic boycotts of the state. Several Republicans voted “present” rather than for or against the bill, with GOP Lt. Gov. Randy McNally voicing reservations and GOP state Sen. Steve Dickerson suggesting that if it becomes law “we can probably kiss (hosting various national sporting events) goodbye.”
Tennessee “needs all hands on deck when it comes to providing loving homes for children in need,” said Republican bill sponsor Sen. Paul Rose in defense of the measure. “SB 1304 simply makes sure that these agencies can continue to do this vital work just as they do today, consistent with their religious convictions. Tennessee should welcome everyone who is dedicated to helping vulnerable children, including the many faith-based agencies that play such a crucial role in serving our most vulnerable children.”
A variety of social science literature supports the conviction that children are best served by homes with both a mother and a father, whereas a homosexual male couple would by definition lack a mother, and a lesbian couple would be unable to provide a father.
The adoption measure is one of six bills state lawmakers have introduced over the past year to protect religious liberty and conscience rights against the LGBT agenda, which national figures including singer Taylor Swift have attacked as a “slate of hate.” The other bills forbid local governments from penalizing businesses for their health insurance and anti-discrimination policies; increase punishment for indecent exposure in bathrooms and dressing rooms; require the state to defend schools from lawsuits over their refusal to admit gender-confused boys into girls’ restrooms (and vice versa); and declare as “void” any court decision forcing recognition of same-sex “marriage.”
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lifesitenews--2020-01-16--Catholic prof fired by bishop after posting Viganò’s criticisms of Pope Francis online

BUENOS AIRES , January 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) -- A Catholic professor of philosophy has been dismissed by a bishop from his teaching post at an Argentine school of theology after the scholar posted criticisms of Pope Francis made by Vatican whistleblower Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò .
Bishop Gabriel Mestre of Mar del Plata , Argentina , dismissed Dr. Maximiliano Loria from the diocesan University School of Theology .
According to Dr. Mario Caponnetto , a respected Catholic physician and blogger , the reason for the dismissal was because Loria posted on his Facebook page a letter by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Vatican ’ s diplomatic representative in Washington D.C. Vigano has been a vocal critic of Pope Francis and has even called for the current pontiff to resign .
According to Dr. Caponnetto ’ s report at the AdelanteLaFe website , Loria said that he posted Archbishop Vigano ’ s letter on Facebook “ in order to make manifest that things are not going well in the Church .
I respect the Pope , ” he said , but added that many of the Pope ’ s words and gestures are “ incomprehensible.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the adoration of pagan idols that the Pope countenanced in the Vatican Gardens and inside the Basilica of St. Peter during the Amazonia Synod that was held in Rome in October .
Vigano ’ s letter appeared on the Corrispondenza Romana website on Dec. 19 , and makes grave accusations against Pope Francis .
Writing of the “ failed pontificate ” of the current pope , Vigano accused Francis of seeking to dismantle the See of Peter by abusing its supreme authority to sow division and confusion .
“ Material heresies , formal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind : the Supreme Pontiff Bergoglio never ceases stubbornly to humiliate the highest authority of the Church , ‘ “ demythologizing ’ the papacy , ” Vigano wrote , adding that the Pope violates and disfigures the Catholic faith through “ duplicity and lies.. ” According to the report by Dr. Caponnetto , it was Bishop Mestre himself who called Dr. Loria by telephone to inform him of the dismissal .
The report claimed that the bishop told Loria that posting Vigano ’ s letter proved that the professor is not loyal to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is thus unworthy of teaching at a Catholic institution .
Days later , Loria received further official notification of his dismissal .
In response to an email from LifeSiteNews , a spokesman for Bishop Mestre refused to answer any questions posed about the dismissal .
An email to Professor Loria went unanswered .
There is evidence , however , that Bishop Mestre and his school of theology approves of dissident clerics .
In April 2019 , the bishop invited progressive German monk Anselm Grün , the author of dozens of books on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pope Francis , Fr .
Grun admitted to the German newspaper Augsburger Allgemeine that “ fundamentalist circles ” have said that his theology and spirituality are “ heretical.
” Affirming his differences with Catholic doctrine , he said that there are “ no theological reasons ” to oppose the naming of a female pope , the ordination of women or married men to the priesthood .
Saying that he works with homosexual priests , he said that they are “ good priests.
” He added , “ They can speak with us openly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are being accepted.
” Bemoaning Dr. Loria ’ s dismissal , Dr. Caponnetto wrote : “ Once again , something that we already knew has been confirmed : a Catholic professor , of firm doctrine and assayed witness of fidelity to the Church is not allowed to teach in a Catholic university .
And this is in the name of synodality , pluralism , mercy , dialogue , defending the common home , and ecological conversion .
A masterpiece of hypocrisy.
” Bishop Mestre was named to the diocese of Mar del @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fellow Argentine .
Mestre is the former chancellor of the University School of Theology .

The professor said he posted Vigano’s letter on Facebook 'in order to make manifest that things are not going well in the Church.'
BUENOS AIRES, January 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — A Catholic professor of philosophy has been dismissed by a bishop from his teaching post at an Argentine school of theology after the scholar posted criticisms of Pope Francis made by Vatican whistleblower Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò.
Bishop Gabriel Mestre of Mar del Plata, Argentina, dismissed Dr. Maximiliano Loria from the diocesan University School of Theology. According to Dr. Mario Caponnetto, a respected Catholic physician and blogger, the reason for the dismissal was because Loria posted on his Facebook page a letter by Archbishop Viganò, who once served as the Vatican’s diplomatic representative in Washington D.C. Vigano has been a vocal critic of Pope Francis and has even called for the current pontiff to resign.
According to Dr. Caponnetto’s report at the AdelanteLaFe website, Loria said that he posted Archbishop Vigano’s letter on Facebook “in order to make manifest that things are not going well in the Church. I respect the Pope,” he said, but added that many of the Pope’s words and gestures are “incomprehensible.”
As an example, Loria cited the adoration of pagan idols that the Pope countenanced in the Vatican Gardens and inside the Basilica of St. Peter during the Amazonia Synod that was held in Rome in October.
Vigano’s letter appeared on the Corrispondenza Romana website on Dec. 19, and makes grave accusations against Pope Francis. Writing of the “failed pontificate” of the current pope, Vigano accused Francis of seeking to dismantle the See of Peter by abusing its supreme authority to sow division and confusion.
“Material heresies, formal heresies, idolatry, superficiality of every kind: the Supreme Pontiff Bergoglio never ceases stubbornly to humiliate the highest authority of the Church, ‘“demythologizing’ the papacy,” Vigano wrote, adding that the Pope violates and disfigures the Catholic faith through “duplicity and lies..”
According to the report by Dr. Caponnetto, it was Bishop Mestre himself who called Dr. Loria by telephone to inform him of the dismissal. The report claimed that the bishop told Loria that posting Vigano’s letter proved that the professor is not loyal to “Pope Francis’s magisterium” and is thus unworthy of teaching at a Catholic institution. Days later, Loria received further official notification of his dismissal.
In response to an email from LifeSiteNews, a spokesman for Bishop Mestre refused to answer any questions posed about the dismissal. An email to Professor Loria went unanswered.
There is evidence, however, that Bishop Mestre and his school of theology approves of dissident clerics. In April 2019, the bishop invited progressive German monk Anselm Grün, the author of dozens of books on spirituality. Having received public praise by Pope Francis, Fr. Grun admitted to the German newspaper Augsburger Allgemeine that “fundamentalist circles” have said that his theology and spirituality are “heretical.”
Affirming his differences with Catholic doctrine, he said that there are “no theological reasons” to oppose the naming of a female pope, the ordination of women or married men to the priesthood. Saying that he works with homosexual priests, he said that they are “good priests.” He added, “They can speak with us openly about their problems and they feel that they are being accepted.”
Bemoaning Dr. Loria’s dismissal, Dr. Caponnetto wrote: “Once again, something that we already knew has been confirmed: a Catholic professor, of firm doctrine and assayed witness of fidelity to the Church is not allowed to teach in a Catholic university. And this is in the name of synodality, pluralism, mercy, dialogue, defending the common home, and ecological conversion. A masterpiece of hypocrisy.”
Bishop Mestre was named to the diocese of Mar del Plata in 2017 by Pope Francis, a fellow Argentine. Mestre is the former chancellor of the University School of Theology.
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lifesitenews--2020-01-16--Chastity speaker’s web traffic, Youtube views skyrocket in wake of LGBT campaign to silence him

ARIZONA , January 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Pressure from LGBT activists may be behind the cancellation of talks in Ireland by a well-known U.S. Catholic chastity speaker , but this hasn ’ t stopped his message from getting out .
“ Yesterday our web traffic at chastity.com went up 150 % in one day , ” Jason Evert , founder of The Chastity Project , told LifeSiteNews last night .
“ We ’ re very grateful for all the additional youtube hits and people clicking through our videos , ” he added , indicating that the Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from speaking may have been futile .
“ They ’ ve inadvertently sent an exorbitant amount of people to a chastity website in their effort to silence us , ” he said .
Evert has been at the center of a media-fuelled scandal in Ireland because he planned to speak to several groups , including students at Dublin ’ s University College , about chastity , dating and marriage .
Under pressure from the university ’ s LGBTQ+ club , Evert ’ s event there was canceled .
As it happens , Evert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be rearranged anyway , thanks to a household epidemic .
“ I was supposed to fly out yesterday morning , but our entire family got sacked with the flu , ” Evert explained .
“ It ’ s an infirmary over here , so I decided last minute that I can ’ t leave my wife to manage it all on her own and we need to reschedule the trip , ” he continued .
“ We originally had seven talks planned in Ireland , and then four of the hosts backed out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Others filled in the gaps , so there were five talks confirmed that we ’ re now rescheduling because of the family ’ s illness.
” The popular author has eight children , seven of whom are sick .
Evert is sick , too , but his no-show has led to yet another “ fake news ” story : the idea that he has been grounded States-side by media criticism .
“ There have been several Irish news reports saying that I can ’ t come due to , quote , unquote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m not coming due to embarrassment , ” he said .
Evert told LifeSiteNews that he ’ s not surprised by the Irish reaction because the Church ’ s teachings on human sexuality “ are always going to be a sign of contradiction ” ― now even in Ireland , this new 21st century Ireland .
“ Friends and priests I know who have lived in Ireland have told me that right now it ’ s really a country searching for its own soul , ” he said .
“ And you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are responding to these articles in the comments sections , ” he added .
“ One person wrote ’ Poor homophobic , misogynist , anti-woman zealot Jason Evert , it has been reported , can ’ t deliver his bile after a sudden illness of crippling embarrassment after Ireland told him where to go .
# love is love.
’ ” Evert chuckled at the hashtag conclusion to the string of insults .
However , he understands why newspapers ’ headlines and false assumptions have got Irish readers upset .
“ They ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pose a threat to the safety of the LGBT students on campus , and it will have a ‘ lasting and damaging effect on the mental well-being of LGHBQ+ students , ” he explained .
“ That if I come I will cause ‘ untold damage ’ to young people.
” He added that the insult is not as much to him as it is to the students of University College Dublin .
The university administration have sent a message that they think the students are incapable of critical thinking “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shelter a 21-year-old from opinions other than his own kind of sounds like [ they ] don ’ t have much confidence in their critical thinking abilities , ” Evert said .
Nevertheless , Evert believes that university administrators and other adults in Ireland probably really do want to protect young people , not just prevent them from hearing about chastity .
“ I think there is a mingling of motives here , ” he said .
“ First , I believe that there truly is a sincere desire to protect young people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people may be struggling with their sexuality or gender identity.
” “ If they think that I ’ m going to come in and tell these kids , ‘ Hey , you kids are all disordered and you ’ re having these sexual desires because you were sexually abused , ’ then I can understand them wanting to protect kids from that kind of message , ” he continued .
“ But that ’ s not the kind of message that we ’ re bringing to these young people .
Those are ideas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and some of which I didn ’ t even say .
They have me in quotes in their newspapers saying things that have never come out of my mouth.
” Evert , who will travel to Ireland when his children recover , told LifeSiteNews that he was never planning on giving presentations about gender identity or homosexuality .
The presentation he was going to give to Catholic students at University College Dublin , for example , was about ‘ How to save your marriage before you meet your spouse ’ .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ college students on campus .
Exactly how a private retreat to college students to help them practice chastity in their dating relationships would do ‘ untold damage ’ to the LGBT students on campus , I ’ m not sure.
” But the outrage of the media against an American Catholic speaking to Irish Catholics about chastity is “ an anaphylactic reaction to the message of chastity as a whole , ” Evert believes .
Ireland has undergone enormous social change since 1983 , the year in which 66.9 % of the predominantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unborn babies by adding the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution .
In May 2018 , 66.4 % of the population voted to abolish the Eighth Amendment .
Abortion , which used to be permitted only when continuing a pregnancy would endanger the mother ’ s life , is now also allowed on demand for the first trimester .
Unborn children with serious health problems may be aborted even later .
One of the reasons for the Irish change of heart on protecting the right of the unborn to life and other Catholic values @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Catholic clergy following the sexual abuse crisis .
“ The fallout from the [ clerical sex abuse ] scandal globally has caused countless people to dismiss the credibility of Catholicism , ” Evert said .
“ [ They say : ] ‘ Why should we listen to a bunch of clerics tell us how we ought to behave , when they obviously have their own struggles with chastity ?
’ ” he continued .
“ I almost see the country as if it ’ s a 21 year old whose been living at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules and restrictions without a lot of reasons .
And they ’ re now rebelling against the faith of their fathers that they feel has been imposed on them , and they want to set out and discover these things for themselves.
” Even though he is a layman willing to explain the reasons for the rules , Evert is caught in the backlash .
“ They see me as part as the institution , so to speak , because I ’ m in alignment with the Church ’ s teachings on human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They associate what I plan to deliver with what they think they ’ ve already heard.
” He thinks what is really causing ‘ untold damage ’ is hundreds of high school students will be unable to hear “ the good news of the virtue of chastity because the media was outraged that anyone would bother to deliver this message to them.
” But on the other hand , there is that massive spike in his web traffic , thanks to the adults who are so troubled by the word ‘ chastity.
’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re going to reach hundreds of thousands more people than if they had just let me come and give the talks , ” Evert concluded .

'Yesterday our web traffic at chastity.com went up 150% in one day.'
ARIZONA, January 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Pressure from LGBT activists may be behind the cancellation of talks in Ireland by a well-known U.S. Catholic chastity speaker, but this hasn’t stopped his message from getting out.
“Yesterday our web traffic at chastity.com went up 150% in one day,” Jason Evert, founder of The Chastity Project, told LifeSiteNews last night.
“We’re very grateful for all the additional youtube hits and people clicking through our videos,” he added, indicating that the Irish media’s attempt to keep him from speaking may have been futile.
“They’ve inadvertently sent an exorbitant amount of people to a chastity website in their effort to silence us,” he said.
Evert has been at the center of a media-fuelled scandal in Ireland because he planned to speak to several groups, including students at Dublin’s University College, about chastity, dating and marriage. Under pressure from the university’s LGBTQ+ club, Evert’s event there was canceled.
As it happens, Evert’s schedule would have had to be rearranged anyway, thanks to a household epidemic.
“I was supposed to fly out yesterday morning, but our entire family got sacked with the flu,” Evert explained.
“It’s an infirmary over here, so I decided last minute that I can’t leave my wife to manage it all on her own and we need to reschedule the trip,” he continued.
“We originally had seven talks planned in Ireland, and then four of the hosts backed out under pressure from the media and others. Others filled in the gaps, so there were five talks confirmed that we’re now rescheduling because of the family’s illness.”
The popular author has eight children, seven of whom are sick. Evert is sick, too, but his no-show has led to yet another “fake news” story: the idea that he has been grounded States-side by media criticism.
“There have been several Irish news reports saying that I can’t come due to, quote, unquote, illness, implying that I’m not coming due to embarrassment,” he said.
Evert told LifeSiteNews that he’s not surprised by the Irish reaction because the Church’s teachings on human sexuality “are always going to be a sign of contradiction” ― now even in Ireland, this new 21st century Ireland.
“Friends and priests I know who have lived in Ireland have told me that right now it’s really a country searching for its own soul,” he said.
“And you can see that in the way that people are responding to these articles in the comments sections,” he added.
“One person wrote ’Poor homophobic, misogynist, anti-woman zealot Jason Evert, it has been reported, can’t deliver his bile after a sudden illness of crippling embarrassment after Ireland told him where to go. #love is love.’”
Evert chuckled at the hashtag conclusion to the string of insults. However, he understands why newspapers’ headlines and false assumptions have got Irish readers upset.
“They’re saying that my visit is going to pose a threat to the safety of the LGBT students on campus, and it will have a ‘lasting and damaging effect on the mental well-being of LGHBQ+ students,” he explained.
“That if I come I will cause ‘untold damage’ to young people.”
He added that the insult is not as much to him as it is to the students of University College Dublin. The university administration have sent a message that they think the students are incapable of critical thinking
“The idea that [they] have to shelter a 21-year-old from opinions other than his own kind of sounds like [they] don’t have much confidence in their critical thinking abilities,” Evert said.
Nevertheless, Evert believes that university administrators and other adults in Ireland probably really do want to protect young people, not just prevent them from hearing about chastity.
“I think there is a mingling of motives here,” he said.
“First, I believe that there truly is a sincere desire to protect young people from hatred and bigotry when these young people may be struggling with their sexuality or gender identity.”
“If they think that I’m going to come in and tell these kids, ‘Hey, you kids are all disordered and you’re having these sexual desires because you were sexually abused,’ then I can understand them wanting to protect kids from that kind of message,” he continued.
“But that’s not the kind of message that we’re bringing to these young people. Those are ideas that were taken completely out of context, and some of which I didn’t even say. They have me in quotes in their newspapers saying things that have never come out of my mouth.”
Evert, who will travel to Ireland when his children recover, told LifeSiteNews that he was never planning on giving presentations about gender identity or homosexuality. The presentation he was going to give to Catholic students at University College Dublin, for example, was about ‘How to save your marriage before you meet your spouse’.
“It was Dating 101,” he explained.
“It was a private retreat for Catholic college students on campus. Exactly how a private retreat to college students to help them practice chastity in their dating relationships would do ‘untold damage’ to the LGBT students on campus, I’m not sure.”
But the outrage of the media against an American Catholic speaking to Irish Catholics about chastity is “an anaphylactic reaction to the message of chastity as a whole,” Evert believes.
Ireland has undergone enormous social change since 1983, the year in which 66.9% of the predominantly Catholic populace voted to guarantee protection for unborn babies by adding the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution. In May 2018, 66.4% of the population voted to abolish the Eighth Amendment. Abortion, which used to be permitted only when continuing a pregnancy would endanger the mother’s life, is now also allowed on demand for the first trimester. Unborn children with serious health problems may be aborted even later.
One of the reasons for the Irish change of heart on protecting the right of the unborn to life and other Catholic values may be the loss of trust in Catholic clergy following the sexual abuse crisis.
“The fallout from the [clerical sex abuse] scandal globally has caused countless people to dismiss the credibility of Catholicism,” Evert said.
“[They say:] ‘Why should we listen to a bunch of clerics tell us how we ought to behave, when they obviously have their own struggles with chastity?’” he continued.
“I almost see the country as if it’s a 21 year old whose been living at home under a lot of authority, rules and restrictions without a lot of reasons. And they’re now rebelling against the faith of their fathers that they feel has been imposed on them, and they want to set out and discover these things for themselves.”
Even though he is a layman willing to explain the reasons for the rules, Evert is caught in the backlash.
“They see me as part as the institution, so to speak, because I’m in alignment with the Church’s teachings on human sexuality,” he explained.
“They associate what I plan to deliver with what they think they’ve already heard.”
He thinks what is really causing ‘untold damage’ is hundreds of high school students will be unable to hear “the good news of the virtue of chastity because the media was outraged that anyone would bother to deliver this message to them.”
But on the other hand, there is that massive spike in his web traffic, thanks to the adults who are so troubled by the word ‘chastity.’
“In the end, I think we’re going to reach hundreds of thousands more people than if they had just let me come and give the talks,” Evert concluded.
Share


lifesitenews--2020-01-16--The only way we grow is through suffering

Formerly Heart to Heart with Mother Miriam , Mother Miriam Live brings you inspiration and solutions for life ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Miriam is a Catholic nun on a mission to bring hope to a world that @ @ @ @ @ let her share that hope and joy with you !
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Watch Mother Miriam's Live show from 1.15.2020. Mother continues her series reading from The Catechism Explained with a focus on suffering and truly knowing God.
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