AUBURN - Eating shellfish and homosexuality are both immoral according to the Bible's Old Testament.
Yet, the Rev. Robert Kennedy says people don't think twice about eating shrimp cocktail, but the concern over homosexuality has become a widely controversial concern throughout Catholic churches all over the world.
Kennedy, a member of the Catholic Gay and Lesbian Family Ministry and pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church in Rochester, visited Holy Family Church, in Auburn, Wednesday night to explain the Bible's interpretation of homosexuality using Roman Catholic principles.
“Homosexuality is absolutely not condemned as orientation or inclination but the Bible does say that all homosexual actions are wrong,” Kennedy said. “But regarding sexual orientation, the Bible is neutral.”
Kennedy explained that the six texts, 50 verses, in the Bible that do refer to homosexuality need to be carefully read and interpreted
“We don't interpret every word literally,” Kennedy said. “Ask yourself what the original setting of the passage was and what the Holy Spirit was saying.”
Readers must interpret the text in correlation to the present time and culture, Kennedy said. He also explained that readers must look at the text of a verse in context with the entire scripture rather than individually.
Within the Catholic church, homosexuality has only become a concern in the last 50 to 75 years but has references made to it all the way back to the 12th century.
Misinterpretations and ambiguous meanings to Greek words may misconstrue the message of several of the texts in the Bible, Kennedy said.
“In the New Testament, the church's mission considers the whole-hearted faith of the church,” Kennedy said. “We have to be careful how we use these texts when referencing homosexuality.”
Prior to the discussion, the Rev. Dennis Shaw, of Holy Family Church, said that his church is committed to having an inclusive church where everyone feels welcome.
“Some people including migrants and homosexuals, among others, don't feel welcome,” Shaw said.
But Kennedy suggests this community not leave the church, as many are choosing to do and instead stay and tell their stories to others.
“We (the Catholic church) have not really thought through human sexuality in the 21st century,” Kennedy said. “Stay with us and tell your story.”
Staff writer Kristina Martino can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or kristina.martino@lee.net
Kennedy, a member of the Catholic Gay and Lesbian Family Ministry and pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church in Rochester, visited Holy Family Church, in Auburn, Wednesday night to explain the Bible's interpretation of homosexuality using Roman Catholic principles.
“Homosexuality is absolutely not condemned as orientation or inclination but the Bible does say that all homosexual actions are wrong,” Kennedy said. “But regarding sexual orientation, the Bible is neutral.”
Kennedy explained that the six texts, 50 verses, in the Bible that do refer to homosexuality need to be carefully read and interpreted
“We don't interpret every word literally,” Kennedy said. “Ask yourself what the original setting of the passage was and what the Holy Spirit was saying.”
Readers must interpret the text in correlation to the present time and culture, Kennedy said. He also explained that readers must look at the text of a verse in context with the entire scripture rather than individually.
Within the Catholic church, homosexuality has only become a concern in the last 50 to 75 years but has references made to it all the way back to the 12th century.
Misinterpretations and ambiguous meanings to Greek words may misconstrue the message of several of the texts in the Bible, Kennedy said.
“In the New Testament, the church's mission considers the whole-hearted faith of the church,” Kennedy said. “We have to be careful how we use these texts when referencing homosexuality.”
Prior to the discussion, the Rev. Dennis Shaw, of Holy Family Church, said that his church is committed to having an inclusive church where everyone feels welcome.
“Some people including migrants and homosexuals, among others, don't feel welcome,” Shaw said.
But Kennedy suggests this community not leave the church, as many are choosing to do and instead stay and tell their stories to others.
“We (the Catholic church) have not really thought through human sexuality in the 21st century,” Kennedy said. “Stay with us and tell your story.”
Staff writer Kristina Martino can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or kristina.martino@lee.net
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